An innovative project in the field of structural engineering, born from a research program at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Urbanism (FECFAU) of Unicamp, was awarded an Honorable Mention in the 2026 edition of the... “fib Awards for Outstanding Structures” – one of the most important international distinctions in the field of concrete structures. Awarded by the International Federation for Structural Concrete, the award ceremony took place in Lisbon, Portugal, and brought together structural engineering experts, researchers, and professionals from around the world.
Called “Pre-Shell – Prefabricated Ultra-Thin Concrete Shell”The award-winning project originated from postdoctoral research.Design and Performance of Ultra-Thin Concrete Shells”, conducted in 2014 by Isaías Vizotto, lecturer at the Department of Structures (DES) of FECFAU, under the supervision of Eduardo Nuno Brito Santos Júlio, professor at the Instituto Superior Técnico of the University of Lisbon (IST-UL) and researcher at Ceris (acronym in English for Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for SustainabilityThis research was funded and supported by the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES).
Later, Eduardo Júlio led the project “Pre-Shell – Prefabricated Ultra-Thin Concrete Shells”, developed by the Structural Concrete Group of Ceris and funded by ANI – the National Innovation Agency of Portugal, resulted in the creation of an innovative structure that is very resistant and easy to assemble, as it is made from modules. Tests – both computer and laboratory – showed that the structures withstand adverse conditions such as strong winds and earthquakes.
The award recognized that the project incorporated advancements in several scientific and technological areas, such as the generation of structural form through geometric analysis and non-linear materials; the modularization of the precast structure; and the development of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete elements, eliminating the need for conventional reinforcement. The project also created a cable-based assembly system and performed experimental and numerical validation of the structural behavior under wind and seismic action.
"The result of this excellent collaborative work is the prototype built in Ílhavo by the company Spral (Sociedade de Pré-Esforçados de Aveiro Ltda). The international recognition of fib "This confirms the scientific, technological, and constructive relevance of the solution developed," says Eduardo Júlio.
Cover photo:
