Bullfi ghting arenas are a very interesting example of infrastructures
that are exposed to harsh environmental conditions and, for economical reasons,
frequently do not benefi t from periodic maintenance. A set of very ancient (on
average 100 years old) Portuguese bullfi ghting arenas was subject to a qualitative
structural condition survey campaign to evaluate their safety under the public live
loads. These structures are described both in terms of their shape and functioning
and of the construction materials used and added along their service life. The main
pathologies detected are presented and the most frequent structural problems
concern cracking of the masonry elements, various problems in the concrete
elements, degradation of steel and timber and deteriorated roofi ng. The main
durability-connected problems detected were water infi ltrations (because of
the lack of a waterproofi ng membrane), various problems involving the external
coatings or the soffi ts of the arches and vaults and corrosion in concrete elements.
Non-structural problems concerned mostly defi ciencies in the drainage system.
A summary of the rehabilitation recommendations is provided, with a strong
emphasis on coatings. It is concluded that these very old and striking structures
can endure much longer if they are properly maintained

• Structural condition survey of ancient bullfi ghting arenas