Evolution of design in building the quay breakwater of the dock in Cartagena harbour. Paradigm of 18th century building knowledge

Abstract

The case study of the port of Cartagena set out in this paper is intended to demonstrate the scientific, technical and cultural value of these constructions and so to contribute to the study of the unknown Mediterranean underwater cultural heritage as a prerequisite and essential step towards the promotion of its value and conservation. The need to erect an arsenal in the city of Cartagena during the 18th century required the construction of an artificial basin in the hidden Mandarache Sea. This project involved a technical struggle against nature requiring the latest expertise for its construction at that time. The study of the designed building solutions, the techniques carried out and the organisational processes performed in these works prove that they are an example on applying the latest know-how at that time by some of the most prominent scientists and technicians in the country. These works were performed by military engineer Mr. Sebastian Feringán Cortés in cooperation with sailor and scientist Mr. Jorge Juan and Santacilia and further consulting with Mr. Antonio de Ulloa. Such significant underwater works in the Arsenal of Cartagena are stated in the records of the time. Mr. Sánchez Taramas (1769) accounts them as unique and considers their study as utterly useful for training future engineers. This article was performed upon the analysis of different historical dossiers found in the Simancas General Archive (Valladolid, Spain), containing manuscripts written by the architects responsible for the building work whose results achieved highlight their historical and technical value and can be applied to other works of similar features around the Mediterranean basin.