Adobe Blocks in the Center of Portugal: Main Characteristics

Vernacular Caramel´s Adobe Masonry Dwellings – Material Characterization

“…The data also shows that there are two main types of vernacular adobes characterized in Portugal: unstabilized and air lime stabilized. The latter seems to be common in the Aveiro region, which can be justified by a region where low clay content earths predominate (Costa et al, 2019). However, the stabilization does not necessarily mean there is an associated higher strength in comparison to unstabilized adobe, as can be observed from Table 1.…”

“…According to Costa et al (2019) and concerning the particle size distribution, adobe can be divided into three groups: fine adobes, that show very low to no presence of sand; medium adobes, characterized by sand varying from 0.063-2 mm; coarse adobes, with aggregates that include pebbles. Case studies 218 and 267 present a very high content of sand and may be classified as medium adobes while case study 17015 revealed a large percentage of coarse aggregates and as such it is possible to include it in the third group (coarse adobe).…”

“…The presence of kaolinite and muscovite was noticed. Based on Costa et al (2019), kaolinitic clay is associated with higher mechanical strength and water absorption by earthen materials. This might justify the fact that Parracha et al (2019) found lower mechanical strength for a vernacular unstabilized rammed earth sample (T3) that did not have kaolin, in comparison to other unstabilized samples.…”

“…Nevertheless, it is expected that air lime stabilized adobe presents higher durability when in contact with water. Costa et al, (2019) refers that unstabilized adobes of the Portuguese Central Coast usually incorporated vegetable fibers, although no reference to this condition is presented in the characterization of Aveiro adobe (Coroado et al, 2010;Silveira, Varum and Costa, 2013;Costa et al, 2013;Figueiredo et al, 2013), except for the case of Silveira et al (2012), that mentions the addition of fibers such as straw and sisal to the adobes.…”

Case study of a tile facade intervention – Aveiro, Portugal

“…A fachada intervencionada localiza-se no centro da cidade de Aveiro, na Rua dos Combatentes da Grande Guerra, nº19, perto da Ria de Aveiro, conforme O edifício é constituído por três andares, em que um andar se encontrava reabilitado e habitado, e é característico da construção tradicional de Aveiro, local onde rareia a pedra e tem construção tipicamente em adobe, alvenaria de tijolo ou alvenaria mista [11][12]. Caracteriza-se como um edifício em banda, de carácter misto, em que o résdo-chão serve uma zona de comércio e os dois pisos superiores são de habitação multifamiliar.…”