Numerical and experimental evaluation of the dynamic response of a fibre reinforced polymers (FRP) lighthouse

Abstract

A 32-metre high lighthouse, made entirely with fibre reinforced polymers (FRPs), was manufactured by ACCIONA Infrastructure in Madrid, and was installed in only two hours in the northern extension of the Port of Valencia in February 2015. Once the FRP lighthouse was installed, its wind induced vibrations were recorded by a set of accelerometers, strategically placed to determine its dynamic response. Previously, a numerical simulation of the structure was performed to assess its natural frequencies and mode shapes, and compare them with those determined experimentally.