Suspensão da capela Santa Luzia

Summary

In this video, engineer Felipe Rodrigues discusses a remarkable engineering feat in São Paulo, where the historic Santa Luzia Chapel was suspended to make way for a six-star hotel complex. The project required innovative techniques to preserve the chapel's structure while allowing for the construction of underground parking and a cinema. The process involved digging beneath the chapel, reinforcing its foundation, and using specialized pillars to support the load. Rodrigues highlights the challenges and precision required in handling such a delicate, historically significant structure. This unique project exemplifies engineering solutions beyond the textbook.

Takeaways

• 😀 The course offered by the channel is now ABED certified, increasing credibility and offering a structured learning experience.
• 😀 The capela Santa Luzia in São Paulo was suspended as part of a complex hotel project, preserving its historical structure.
• 😀 The original foundation of the chapel was shallow, so a deeper foundation was required to support the heavy structure during the renovation.
• 😀 Engineers chose to reinforce the foundation with transition beams, transforming them into pillars to hold the 1,200-ton chapel.
• 😀 An alternative approach involved using tracks to move the chapel, but it was too risky and could damage the structure.
• 😀 The project involved high precision, including monitoring vibrations using a glass of water placed on the chapel's windowsill to detect excessive movement.
• 😀 High-pressure water jets (hydro-jetting) were used to remove the original foundation without damaging the chapel's integrity.
• 😀 The chapel was suspended 31 meters above the ground, and additional structures such as parking levels and a cinema were built underneath.
• 😀 The engineers had to calculate the load-bearing capacity of the soil and make adjustments to avoid potential instability in the pillars and the entire structure.
• 😀 The work presented unique challenges due to the delicate nature of the project and the integration of modern construction techniques with historical preservation.
• 😀 The completed project aims to provide a 6-star hotel complex, with the chapel preserved at the top of the new development, which will open in the near future.

Q & A

What was the primary challenge in the engineering project discussed in the video?

The primary challenge was suspending the historical Santa Luzia Chapel without damaging its original structure while constructing additional floors and a parking complex below it.

Why was the Santa Luzia Chapel suspended in the project?

The chapel was suspended because it was a historical heritage site, which meant that its original structure could not be altered. The developers needed to create new floors and parking areas beneath it without impacting the chapel.

What are the two main techniques that engineers considered for suspending the chapel?

The two techniques considered were: 1) creating a deep foundation system using piles to support the chapel, and 2) placing rails beneath the foundation to move the chapel temporarily while construction was underway. The first option was chosen.

Why was the second technique, involving rails to move the chapel, considered risky?

The rail-based technique was risky because it could potentially damage the chapel’s original structure, which was not desirable given its historical value.

What method was used to calculate the load-bearing capacity of the soil under the chapel?

A thorough soil survey was conducted to determine the load-bearing capacity, helping engineers design the foundation and piles necessary to support the chapel and the additional structures.

How were the piles for the chapel foundation designed?

The piles, referred to as 'tacões,' were designed with a large diameter and deep penetration into the soil to ensure adequate load-bearing capacity. The foundation was initially shallow but was deepened for better support.

What role did the 'tacões' (piles) play in the suspension of the chapel?

The 'tacões' were used to transfer the weight of the chapel from the original shallow foundation to deeper, more stable ground. They were later reinforced to act as pillars that would support the chapel's new position.

What innovative technique was used to manage vibrations during the construction process?

Engineers placed a glass of water on the chapel's windowsill to monitor vibrations. If the water moved, it indicated excessive vibration, allowing them to adjust the construction process to avoid damaging the structure.

How did the engineers prevent lateral displacement or 'flambagem' of the piles?

To prevent lateral displacement (flambagem), intermediate bracing was used between the piles. Additionally, the piles were reinforced with a large section to enhance their lateral stability under load.

What are the future plans for the area surrounding the Santa Luzia Chapel?

The plan is to build a six-star hotel complex, called Cidade Matarazzo, which will include a cinema and multiple parking levels beneath the suspended chapel. The chapel will remain as part of the new development.