Abstract: GFRP caisson technology was developed for construction of two mooring dolphins in Puerto del Rosario (Fuerteventura, Spain) in a more environmentally friendly way than traditional solutions. The construction technique marks a milestone in civil engineering because of its highly innovative nature that will significantly reduce time and complexity of construction operations. Glass fiber and gel-coated UV-protected epoxy resins were used to build a cylindrical structure of 12 m diameter and 13.3 m height, filled with granular aggregates and topped with a 2 m concrete slab, where mooring bollards were fixed. GFRP caissons were manufactured in a factory in Jerez (Spain), transported by ship to the Canary Islands, assembled on site and launched into the sea with a light crane. The construction and environmental advantages include: savings of 75% in CO2 emissions and 90% reduction in the need for construction surfaces. Economically, the GFRP caisson solution was competitive compared to the original project solution.

Authorship

Download reference