Keynotes and Thematic Sessions

Keynote Speakers

CINPAR 2026 is pleased to welcome distinguished keynote speakers whose work is shaping research and practice in the assessment, rehabilitation, and conservation of existing structures and built heritage.

Dr. Javier Ortega

Affiliation: Instituto de Tecnologías Físicas y de la Información Leonardo Torres Quevedo (ITEFI), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Spain
Title: Automated large-scale non-destructive testing of heritage buildings for structural diagnosis

Keynote abstract: Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) is a fundamental tool for the on-site structural diagnosis of construction elements that is particularly important for historical constructions, as there is a need to avoid any possible harm to the original material during inspection. However, most NDT techniques were initially conceived for localized inspections and are carried out manually. As a result, enlarging the scale of inspection to large areas of a building, such as a full façade, becomes impossible in practical terms, particularly if the aim is to evaluate upper areas of the building that are out of reach for manual inspections, unless considering the use of supplementary structures like scaffolding. This limitation can be addressed through the development of robotic systems. This keynote will explore the use of automated NDT systems that allow to cover full buildings or large building components, reflecting on the advantages, limitations, challenges and future research directions. With a particular focus on the case study of the rammed earth towers in the Alhambra, the lecture will discuss the novel system developed, fabricated and deployed on-site, the operational constraints and complex test setup, as well as the processing and interpretation of the data collected. The results aim to show the potential of using highly automated systems for the inspection and structural diagnosis of architectural heritage.

Prof. Rita Bento

Affiliation: Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Portugal
Title: Safeguarding Heritage: Integrated Evaluation and Rehabilitation Strategies for Existing and Historic Structures

Keynote abstract: This keynote will explore integrated approaches to the evaluation, rehabilitation, and strengthening of existing and historic structures, reflecting the growing relevance of the rehabilitation sector and the rapid evolution of materials, technologies, and diagnostic methods. Through a series of selected case studies, the presentation will illustrate how historical research, material characterization, experimental testing, digital surveying, and calibrated numerical modelling can be combined to support effective and compatible intervention strategies. By bridging scientific advances with practical applications, the keynote highlights pathways for improving the safety, durability, and cultural value of the built heritage and the broader existing building stock.

Prof. Daniel V. Oliveira

Affiliation: University of Minho, Portugal
Title: Seismic performance of traditional rammed earth constructions: from structural assessment to strengthening

Keynote abstract: Earthen construction has been widely adopted thanks to the local availability of the constituent materials, the sustainability of the building process, and its relative simplicity and low cost. Conversely, these structures are typically characterised by a significant seismic vulnerability, fundamentally due to the low mechanical strength of the material, its high mass, and the almost absence of engineering-based design and construction methods. While rammed earth buildings have been extensively employed, their structural in-plane and out-of-plane behaviour under cyclic loading conditions is still not fully understood. In addition, suitable strengthening strategies remain necessary to mitigate their seismic vulnerability. An experimental programme was undertaken to examine the in-plane and out-of-plane cyclic behaviour of rammed earth structural sub-assemblies. Following the initial damage phase, the prototypes were retrofitted using a TRM-based solution and then tested further. The experimental findings are presented and analysed in terms of crack development and peak base shear coefficient. Lastly, the efficiency of the proposed strengthening approach was assessed through comparison with the behaviour of the unstrengthened sub-assemblies. The results demonstrated that the TRM solution was effective in improving both the ductility and the in-plane shear capacity of the tested sub-assemblies.

Prof. Ana Ferreira Silva

Affiliation: Lusophone University, Portugal
Title: Reimagining Pathology Diagnosis in Built Heritage

Keynote abstract: The diagnosis of built heritage has historically been a fragmented practice. While the eyes of an expert remain essential, digitalisation is redefining the paradigm of pathology diagnosis from a series of “snapshots” to a more accurate, reproducible, and scalable process. Through examples such as machine learning based façade anomaly detection and photogrammetric identification of pathology, this lecture shows how digital tools can improve the consistency and objectivity of diagnosis. Digitalisation is often misunderstood when reduced to the production of digital images or models. The true value of digitalisation lies in creating persistent information systems in which each inspection adds new evidence to an evolving representation of the building. 3D models and BIM methodologies should not be seen as geometric containers but as living repositories to which anomalies, observations, measurements, and interpretations can be added over time. Digitalisation should therefore not be understood simply as a technical improvement of inspection, but as a redefinition of what diagnosis can become. By transforming built heritage into living laboratories, an operational memory can be created, shifting the focus from reactive repairs to a new era of evidence based conservation decisions and practices.

Further keynote speakers will be announced soon.

Thematic Sessions

CINPAR 2026 will feature thematic sessions focused on emerging topics and collaborative research areas relevant to the conference themes.

Specialisation in Rehabilitation of Built Heritage

Organisers: Vasco Peixoto de Freitas (FEUP, Portugal), Sofia Barbosa (SGCH, Portugal), Inês Flores-Colen (IST, Portugal)

A thematic session entitled “Especialização em Reabilitação do Património Edificado” will be organised by representatives of the Portuguese Charter of Engineers (Ordem dos Engenheiros). The session will present the recently established specialisation in Rehabilitation of Built Heritage, outlining its objectives, scope, and relevance to professional practice. It will also provide an overview of the requirements and application procedures for engineers interested in obtaining this specialisation.

IST CIB Student Chapter

Organisers: Jéssica Bersch (IST, Portugal), Giovanna Bartels (IST, Portugal)

A thematic session organised by the CIB Student Chapter of IST will be featured at CINPAR 2026, providing a dedicated platform for student led research and innovation. The Chapter will support the conference organisation and moderate a dedicated paper session, creating a space to showcase emerging research and encourage international exchange and collaboration. The CIB Student Chapter aims to connect students with advanced research in the construction field and to highlight the long term value of engagement with CIB for academic and professional development.

The session will focus on the following thematic areas:

Heat and Moisture Transfer in Buildings
Facilities Management and Maintenance
Service Life Prediction of Building Materials and Components
Building Pathology

PhD students and researchers are invited to join CINPAR 2026 and submit their abstracts.

Further thematic sessions will be announced soon.

Contacts
CINPAR 2026 Conference
Instituto Superior Técnico – DECivil
Av. Rovisco Pais 1
1049-001 Lisboa – Portugal

Email: cinpar2026@tecnico.ulisboa.pt