Dynamic characterization of an all-FRP pultruded construction

All-FRP (Fiber Reinforced Polymer) structures made of pultruded structural elements are common in many countries, while their dynamic characterization is by far less uncommon. We focus on the evaluation of the dynamic features of a pavilion entirely built with pultruded FRP elements, with the only exception of the steel bolts used for connections. The all-FRP construction, located at the IUAV University Campus (Venice, Italy) was realized after a specific call for architectural design and required complex and dedicated calculation from a structural point of view. As for any new construction, the numerical finite element model was first produced and then compared with the experimental results, acquired once the structure was completed. This implies that the validation of the numerical model could be performed only a posteriori. The experimental dynamic characterization of the structure was performed according to the principles of the operational modal analysis, that is exploiting ambient microtremors as excitation for the structure. The same technique was exploited to assess the dynamic behaviour of foundation subsoil. The comparison between the experimental and the model turns out to be interesting, because the dynamic characteristics of all FRP constructions are still widely unknown in the current literature.