Structural Consolidation of Architectural Heritage

*Carlos Franco*

#### **Abstract**

The present study has as its main objective, the search and development for a model of evaluation and diagnosis of the origins of pathologies, in a rehabilitation process of architectural heritage that allows possible corrective measures to be applied at an early stage of appreciation, defining rigorously the reinforcement and consolidation options necessary to improve the overall construction performance. Understanding the original tectonics of the building, becomes essential for a conscious and adequate performance decision-making in an intervention that is desirable to be minimal and not intrusive, facilitating the optimization of solutions depending on the state of conservation in which the building is. Historical and morphological characteristics of the construction were considered, in order to define and study the best solutions for an appropriate intervention. The proposal for structural stabilization, from the perspective of greater sustainability, observes all the requirements and recommendations of the international charters on heritage rehabilitation - in addition to national legislation, the contemporary intervention principles, guaranteeing the safeguarding of its identity.

**Keywords:** Architectural heritage, rehabilitation, original tectonics, construction pathologies, structural stabilization

#### **1. Introduction**

Taking advantage of a case study that was once carried out on a building in the entire state of neglect, for its research and its unequivocal architectural value, with a view to transmitting the scientific and technological knowledge and consequent endogenization then acquired, all the information collected was compiled. to the date and before the intervention in the meantime, including photographic records already in the initial phase of the work.

The work presented here aims to establish an intervention methodology - in an approach directed to the evaluation of the structural system, defining as a priority the global stabilization of the building.

The prior assessment of the building's state of conservation, through the onsite observation of pathologies and anomalies caused by years of neglect, makes it possible to define an appropriate concept for structural stabilization, which may be replicated in similar buildings, not only in Portugal as well as in any part of the world where there are examples of recognized architectural interest, favoring the adoption of less intrusive solutions, betting on the recovery and rehabilitation of materials and traditional construction techniques that are part of the set of cultural values materialized in the building, where adaptation to the new regulatory

requirements for use and structural performance, constitutes an additional challenge to which it is intended to respond, in order to satisfy the requirements of comfort, functional efficiency and sustainability.

Prior to interventions in classified Architectural Heritage and in the design phase, not only the applicable national legislation should be considered, but also the letters and recommendations, criteria and international standards on the protection of Architectural Heritage.

The studies and projects for the works of conservation, modification, reintegration and restoration in classified properties, or in the process of being classified, will have to be elaborated and subscribed by technicians of legally recognized qualification or under their direct responsibility, for which the works or interventions, will be subject to authorization and monitoring by the competent authorities for the final decision of the classification procedure.

Portuguese legislation establishes the bases of the policy and regime for the protection and enhancement of cultural heritage - Law n° 107/2001 of 8 September, in conjunction with Decree-Law n° 308/2009 of 23 October, defining the concepts, rights and duties of the owners of heritage with relevant cultural interest, namely architectural, with values of memory, antiquity, authenticity, originality, rarity, uniqueness or exemplarity, being a fundamental task of the State and duty of citizens, their protection and enhancement [1].
