The aqueduct of the Convent of Christ, a national monument since 1910, extends for approximately 6 km, consisting of buried structures, surface structures, and portal frame structures, with single or double arcades. The intervention area corresponded to the section between pillars P8 and P18, crossing the Vale dos Pegões.

Intervention goal

The project aimed at the rehabilitation and structural reinforcement of a section of the Convent of Christ aqueduct. The condition survey identified several anomalies, of which the most significant was the considerable leaning of some columns (P14 to P17), diagnosed as being caused by problems at the level of their foundations.

Intervention stages and techniques

Due to the high sensitivity of the structure to be reinforced, a solution with high axial rigidity was designed, implemented through vertical and inclined micropiles, capped with a crowning lintel. In addition to stabilizing the foundations of the columns, the cross-sections of these columns were laterally confined with horizontal metal tie rods. Complementing the reinforcement solution, the section between columns P8 and P18 also underwent the following works: removal of invasive plants and metal clamps, repointing of masonry joints, filling of gaps in ordinary and ashlar masonry (using stone and/or mortar), sealing of cracks, and replacement of surface mortar.

Additional information

The intervention strategy was defined considering the ICOMOS recommendations for structural interventions in heritage constructions. The designed and executed solution was conceived and selected to ensure compatibility and low intrusiveness with the existing structure, as well as reversibility, so as not to compromise future interventions.