Incorporation of bracejo in lime mortars

The project in reference presents an innovative degree in the field of environmental sustainability this time directed to the rehabilitation of agglomerations with high heritage value as is the case of the Historical Villages of Portugal.

This initiative aims to add value to endogenous resources, particularly the plant species that populates the territory of Sortelha called Bracejo, whose use has been usually intended for animals and for the production of basketry. In addition to the innovative dimensions already mentioned here, there is the collaboration between the know-how of the community dedicated to crafts (bracejo) and the scientific system, whose challenge was launched by the Network of Historical Villages of Portugal in order to find solutions in line with the 17 SDGs and, where possible, the concept of circular economy. From this union of know-how and scientific knowledge (engineering department of the University of Aveiro) has been developed experimentation of the incorporation of bracejo (native plant species of Sortelha) in lime mortars (solutions integrated into the menu of traditional construction techniques). The ongoing work plan foresees the incorporation of different percentages of bracejo in air lime and natural hydraulic lime mortars, in order to assess the possibility of using this product for interior coating of buildings in the Portuguese Historical Villages. Tests will be carried out on the mechanical and physical properties of these mortars, and their potential for use in this context will be verified. The applicability of this solution will be carried out in the building for the installation of the cowork space, with a part dedicated to the urbanism services of the Historical Villages of Portugal, operating since mid-2021. In this service the Association has integrated several trainees who choose the Network of Historic Villages of Portugal to carry out their master's degree dissertations or doctoral theses.