Publications
Mobilidade da população de origem europeia na América Portuguesa no século XVII: povoamento, negócios e conflitos armados
Portuguese mobility in 17th-century America was driven by strategic movements for land acquisition, trade, and conflict, with key hubs like Salvador da Bahia, Olinda, Recife, and Belém serving as both arrival points and launchpads for inland expansion. Using inquisitorial trials, the study reveals how the sugar industry, religion, and armed conflicts shaped population displacement between captaincies, illustrating the complex interplay of economic and social factors during this period.
The Importance of the Damage’s Map in Identifying Pathologies on Historical Buildings: A Study of the Carmo’s Church – Olinda – PE
A damage map emerges as a critical tool for assessing the conservation state of historical buildings, particularly those with significant preservation interest. This study highlights its importance through a case analysis of Carmo's Church in Olinda, Brazil—a 16th-century Carmelite church and part of UNESCO’s World Heritage-listed Historic Centre. The research demonstrates that understanding construction techniques, materials, maintenance routines, and historical interventions is essential for diagnosing facade pathologies accurately. Despite recent restoration (2012), the study identifies new pathological manifestations appearing within four years, underscoring the need for long-term monitoring and comprehensive documentation to inform conservation strategies.
X‐ray spectrometry applied for characterization of bricks of Brazilian historical sites
Researchers used X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry to analyze bricks from historical sites in Olinda, Brazil, revealing distinct chemical signatures that correlate with age and manufacturing origins. The study identified five clusters of bricks based on their elemental composition, distinguishing between Dutch-made bricks from the 17th century—likely used as ship ballast—and locally produced bricks dating from the 18th to 20th centuries. Quartz dominated the mineral content, while trace elements like iron (Fe), potassium (K), and titanium (Ti) varied slightly among samples. Principal component analysis of XRF data further confirmed these groupings, offering new insights into the provenance and historical context of Olinda's architectural heritage.
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