Rehabilitation of an important cultural and architectural heritage: the traditional adobe constructions in Aveiro district

Abstract

Adobe is a low-cost construction material, locally available, presents excellent thermal and acoustic properties, and is associated to quite simple construction methods that only require a small consumption of energy. It is indeed an economically viable material, and its use respects the environmental equilibrium. Rehabilitation and strengthening of existing traditional adobe constructions contribute to the quality of life improvement of those who use them and for an increase of associated safety levels, particularly if an effective seismic strengthening is assured. The preservation of these constructions also contributes for the recognition of the advantages that adobe, as a structural material, presents, encouraging its use in new constructions, and allowing for the reduction of the efforts and resources that are affected to new edifications that normally replace the adobe existing ones. A research group at the University of Aveiro has been developing work aimed at the characterization of the vast traditional adobe constructed park of Aveiro district, which constitutes an important architectonic and cultural heritage. Studies on the composition and mechanical behaviour of adobe units and mortars, and on the structural behaviour of adobe masonry walls were conducted. These studies aim to establish a basis of knowledge that can support the interpretation of structural pathologies, calibration of numerical models, structural safety assessment, and design of strengthening solutions. This article presents and discusses the developed work, explaining how it can contribute for a more conscious development of rehabilitation practices.