Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
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Churches - structures of big dimensions with large open spaces and developed
predominantly along one single direction - typically of rectangular shape with
supporting walls on the sides and vaults with arches to sustain the ceilings and
roofs. The walls are made of well-cut stone masonry in the exterior with widths
that could reach 4-6 m at the base. The structure that sustains the roof can be in
stone forming vaults or bay arches, etc., or wooden structures. To strengthen the
walls, metallic ties were used in the XVIIIth century and they transmit horizon-
tal loads from one wall to the other. All churches have bell towers of 20-30 m
high, also in stone masonry, some times being part of its front, others placed
sidelong.
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Convents and monasteries (cloisters) - structures with 2 or 3 floors, disposed in
square, having in general, the first floor laid on abutments forming archways.
The walls are on well-cut stone masonry in the exterior, preferably making the
corners, with 1-2 m width, floors over wooden grounds supported in 10-15 cm
over the walls. The abutments of the ground floor are built of one only stone,
in slender structures, or by the overlap of several stones interconnected, in the
cases of larger dimensions. The abutments of one only stone are connected in
their crests by metallic ties.
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Palaces - structures for the home of noble people and/or public buildings with
big with large spaces, several floors, extremely high interiors, walls on stone
masonry more or less well cut, with a width of 1-2 m, with big windows and
wooden floors.
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Hospitals, Hospices and Schools - buildings of quality inferior to that of palaces
and with a structure mixed between a palace and a convent.
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Chapels - small churches with walls in stone masonry with no windows. They
are strong and rigid structures with walls of 1 or 2 m of thickness.
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Other structures - in this category we include specific cases that present different
behaviours from those referred above: (a) Military garrisons - very heavy struc-
tures, partially buried, with very thick walls. They formed the defence system of
the coast of Lisbon. (b) Towers - beautiful high structures. (c) Bridges - roman
type. (d) Aqueduct - bridge of big dimensions across a large valley. (e) Walls -
San Jorge Castle of and Almada, and Walls “Cercas” of the City. (f) Fountains
and pendulum structures.
The building stock, where most people lived, was composed by houses organized
in city blocks, with 3 or 4 floors. The houses built in inclined areas could present
1 or 2 more floors at the downhill side, making 5-7 floors. The urban tissue was
rather chaotic, with very narrow and winding streets, reflecting the merging of Arab
culture. We can still see, today, some very well preserved samples in the district
of Alfama, around the San Jorge Castle and near the river west to the “Terreiro do
Pa¸o” square. These houses have small rooms and small interstory heights, thick
walls and small openings, wooden floors and stairs of one only flight. Very often
they present a ground floor in stone arch supporting the walls. Fa¸ades with wooden
frame in cantilever to the exterior forming a “bump” are also common. Roofs with
2 or 4 attics complete the structure.
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