History

In 1994, after the presentation of the Master Thesis "Natural solutions for structural problems", Professor Pedro Pacheco began an extensive research to study applications of biostructural solutions to Civil Engineering structures, at Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP). 

In 1998, Prof. Pedro Pacheco presents its PhD’s Thesis: “Organic prestressing: an example of an effector system”. At an initial stage, a whole year of research was dedicated to the study of Anatomy, with special focus in Miology, the sub-discipline for the study of the muscles. The first experiments were conceived in 2001 after an international recognition by FIB (Federation International du Beton).

In 2002, begins a scientific and technological cooperation. FEUP and the portuguese construction company Mota-Engil, sign OPS 1 Cooperation agreement. 

After two years of laboratory research, the functioning of the system was experimentally confirmed and the first main advantages of OPS became clear. Experiments with a reduced scale model allowed the team to reach several conclusions for a first full scale application. OPS 2 agreement is signed in January 2004. Sensors and automators were installed on a traditional movable scaffolding system (overslung) in a bridge construction site. These experiments allowed the team to confirm the reliability of the system.

 
OPS 3 began when Mota-Engil decided to go ahead with the acquisition of a new movable scaffolding system with OPS (River Sousa).

Prof. Pedro Pacheco, FEUP and Mota-Engil signed a cooperation agreement in order to create a competences centre willing to investigate, develop and apply state-of-the-art solutions to build construction methods. OPS 4 agreement is signed.

In September 2006 BERD was born. Since its foundation BERD became the subscriber of all the agreements in replacement of its promoters.