A sustainable conservation strategy for cultural heritage protection is not feasible without a systematic documentation, registration and management of the information. The adoption of integrated inspection protocols and regular tracking processes, based on standardized procedures and uniform criteria, are the basis to successfully replace actual curative strategies with proactive conservation approaches. The opportunities brought by the digital tools can offer tremendous advantages in this regard. This paper explores the leading role that digitization is assuming in the context of heritage conservation through the experience of the HeritageCare project-Monitoring and preventive conservation of historic and cultural heritage" (SOE1/P5/P0258). The project has developed a digital-based integrated methodology aimed at providing enhanced tools and services to properly document cultural heritage buildings and engage directly owners in the conservation process of their legacy. The structured digital workflow on which the HeritageCare protocol relies is described in detail, encompassing different levels of information. Finally, the full application of the protocol is presented with reference to one of the most emblematic case studies of the project, the Ducal Palace of Guimarães, Portugal.

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This paper reports on numerical modelling strategies for assessment of the load capacity of stone arch bridges based on realistic knowledge of the constituent material properties. Detailed micro-models based on FEM and DEM with suitable nonlinear behaviour of the bridge materials are used to evaluate the bridge structural behaviour under incremental static loading. Simplified modelling strategies based on rigid blocks analysis is also used for comparative purposes. Results of laboratory testing performed to characterize the deformability and strength parameters of the bridge materials (masonry and infill) are used to support the structural analysis. The study comprised four existing road bridges located in the North of Portugal. Experimental modal identification of the bridge cases has also been included in the study with the aim of updating and validating the bridge models.

Presently, no systematic policy for the preventive conservation of the built cultural heritage exists in SouthWest Europe. Current approaches for inspection, diagnosis, monitoring and reactive conservation are normally intermittent, unplanned, expensive and lack methodical strategy. The available financial resources are scarce and are mostly addressed to listed buildings. Besides, owners and stakeholders often reveal reluctance to invest in preventive conservation and maintenance programs. In view of these considerations, and driven by the principle "prevention is better than cure", the HeritageCare project has developed a system for the preventive conservation and maintenance of the built heritage. The main aim of this paper is to briefly describe the methodology, including its three levels of service, and present the main results of the implementation and validation of the service level 1 on a case study belonging to the Portuguese architectural heritage.