Monitoring of monuments during the expansion of the Porto Metro

The session from “Inovação Fora de Portas – Engenharia Civil à Mostra” focused on Monitoring of Historic Monuments during the Metro do Porto Works, highlighting a vital process to preserve the structural integrity of cultural and historic heritage during the metro expansion. Specialized equipment is installed at national monuments and sensitive public buildings such as São Bento Station, the Congregados Church, and the Clérigos Tower, monitoring potential structural damage caused by excavation and construction works.

This monitoring results from a collaborative protocol between FEUP and Metro do Porto in effect since 2021, enabling joint participation in studies and projects, with FEUP supporting monitoring during the construction of the Liberdade/S. Bento – Boavista/Casa da Música section of the new Circular Line (Pink). Through prior structural inspections, critical areas for monitoring were identified to anticipate damage and mitigate impacts, using advanced sensor systems to record vibrations, cracks, rotations, and other structural movements.

Continuous monitoring ensures construction and user safety while preserving these monuments in downtown Porto, balancing transport network modernization with historic heritage protection.