Physical and Mechanical Properties of Reinforced Concrete from 20th-Century Architecture Award-Winning Buildings in Lisbon (Portugal): A Contribution to the Knowledge of Their Evolution and Durability

Abstract

The use of concrete materials in Portugal, namely reinforced concrete, began in the 19th century. However, during the 20th century, the increase in the application of this composite material, alongside the use of hydraulic binders, led to a disruption of traditional construction techniques and enhanced generalized application in concrete structures, combining aesthetics with functionality. In this paper, the authors will present and discuss several physical and mechanical characteristics of reinforced concrete materials from 12 award-winning architectural buildings constructed between the 1930s and the end of the 20th century in Lisbon, Portugal. These results are vital to evaluate their durability, as those buildings have an undiscussable heritage value in the context of 20th-century buildings’ valorization. Furthermore, the results will contribute to the knowledge of the current state of conservation of these materials and will allow an understanding of the evolution in the application of national regulations during this period.