R&D PROJECTS
SYSTEMS FOR THE REHABILITATION OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS
› RehabToolBox Project
Tools for minimally intrusive structural rehabilitation interventions
The REHABTOOLBOX project aimed at the development and validation of a set of complementary devices and systems intended for the rehabilitation of old buildings, namely masonry load-bearing and timber structures.
These devices were designed to be simple, reversible, and minimally intrusive, allowing the improvement of the structural performance of buildings against vertical and seismic loads, without compromising the integrity of existing elements or altering the original structural scheme.
Stap coordinated the development of the systems and collaborated in the preparation of technical manuals for design and installation, targeting their adoption by designers and builders. The resulting “toolbox” enabled the selection and combination of the most suitable solutions for each intervention, balancing structural, functional, and aesthetic requirements.
The project was co-financed by FEDER under the Lisbon Regional Operational Programme – QREN – Research and Technological Development Incentive System, with IAPMEI as the managing entity. It involved scientific collaboration from ICIST and led to innovative products intended to replace or complement traditional solutions with greater effectiveness and less impact on historic buildings.
SEISMIC AND/OR LANDSLIDE RISK MITIGATION
› LessLoss Project
Mitigation of earthquake and landslide risks
The European project LESSLOSS – Risk Mitigation for Earthquakes and Landslides, completed in 2007, aimed to study and develop solutions for mitigating seismic risks and mass movements on slopes.
Stap was part of the working group responsible for the development and manufacture of seismic isolators and energy dissipators. Its main task was coordinating the preparation of the User Manual for these devices, which included practical tools for project application.
Participation in this project helped deepen the company’s expertise in seismic protection of buildings, particularly in the design, installation, and application of seismic isolation devices – an area that requires specialized training at all stages of construction.
The project involved 46 European organizations, including companies and R&D units. Additional information is available atwww.lessloss.org
› Mitris Project
Seismic risk mitigation in masonry buildings
The Mitris project continued investigations started under the COMREHAB project – Rehabilitation of Heritage Buildings and Structures using Fiber Composites, focusing on the assessment of seismic rehabilitation techniques applied to historic buildings.
Stap participated, in collaboration with LNEC (Seismic and Structural Engineering Unit – C3S), in tests conducted on a shaking table with reduced-scale models (1:2 to 1:2.5) representing masonry buildings. These tests allowed the evaluation of different structural reinforcement solutions, namely:
– Traditional metal tie rods;
– Devices to improve the connection between floors and walls;
– Shotcrete;
– Composite materials
The application of composite materials was the main technical focus of the project, based on COMREHAB research. Stap collaborated in the design and execution of models and reinforcement systems using an innovative internally developed material capable of accurately reproducing the mechanical behavior of historic masonry.
The project was funded by LNEC through FCT, with Stap investing €82,000 of its own resources in its participation in the tests.
CONSERVATION OF TIMBER STRUCTURES
› LIcons Project
Minimally intrusive conservation systems for timber structures
The LICONS project aimed to develop and validate rehabilitation systems for timber structures, using a combination of structural adhesives and fiber-reinforced plastics. It also sought to provide design support tools for implementing these solutions.
The use of advanced materials was intended to ensure features such as low weight, ease and speed of installation, minimal visual impact, and high structural efficiency – while prioritizing versatility, aesthetics, and minimal intrusiveness.
Stap participated in defining specifications and quality procedures for low-invasive reinforcement techniques using epoxy resins and composite materials. Its contribution also included the fabrication of timber test specimens and the collection of documentation on interventions in seismic areas. Within the group coordinated by Stap, two Portuguese companies specializing in heritage rehabilitation were also involved: Monumenta, Lda. and Mestres Carpinteiros, Lda..
The project began in November 2002, lasted two years, and involved a total investment of €1,850,000. Participants included companies such as Rotafix Ltd. (United Kingdom), ECC Timber Engineering Ltd. (United Kingdom), AMTC SRL (France), La Bottega del Restauro SRL (Italy), and STAP S.A. (Portugal), along with research institutions like Oxford Brookes University (United Kingdom), Laboratoire de Rhéologie du Bois de Bordeaux (France), LNEC (Portugal), and LegnoDOC SRL (Italy).
REHABILITATION OF ALGARVIAN HERITAGE BUILDINGS
› Recopac Project
Rehabilitation of traditional buildings in the Algarve
The RECOPAC project aimed to develop a technical manual to support rehabilitation interventions in heritage buildings in the Algarve region, with a particular focus on its diverse construction typologies.
Stap, in partnership with the Algarve University, developed guidelines for structural intervention in both historic and more recent buildings in the region, covering the entire process from survey and diagnosis to intervention and monitoring. Appropriate methodologies and technologies for the seismic rehabilitation of masonry buildings were systematized, including:
– Application of composite sheets or fabrics;
– Installation of passive tie rods with ductile anchors;
– Floor-to-wall connection devices.
The manual was intended for designers, technicians, public and private entities, as well as trainers and students in regional technical education. It also included practical case studies of interventions carried out in the region, selected with the support of local authorities and institutions such as IPPAR and CCR Algarve.
The project was approved in March 2003 and completed in October 2004. It had an eligible investment of €259,486, with €207,589 co-financed by FEDER, and was coordinated by Eng. Vítor Cóias.
