Replacing a tower at Cape Verdes – Challenges from hard environmental conditions and a modular concept

The hitherto existing accessible tower used for atmospheric measurements in Sao Vicente / Cape Verdes consisted of a galvanized steel structure heavily deteriorated by corrosion already in a very short time. The high level of corrosion was caused by the fairly hard environmental conditions prevailing at the coast of the island due to the unprotected exposure to strong winds in combination with the spray of seawater. Consequently, the design of the needed replacement structure was reconsidered resulting in a structure built from hardwood connected with stainless steel components. The paper presents the major challenges of designing a sustainable structure in order to resist extremely hard exposition to seawater, high temperatures and heavy wind loading. Additionally, the structure has to be designed for a modular assembling scheme in order to meet the requirements arising from the shipment in containers.