Debate técnico-científico sobre a defesa de Porto Alegre contra as cheias (1917-1943)

This article explores the technical-scientific debate surrounding flood protection in Porto Alegre during the first half of the 20th century, with a focus on the Guaíba River. The catastrophic floods that occurred in Rio Grande do Sul in April–May 2024 reignited both public and technical interest in the topic. At that time, the causes and consequences of the floods were widely analyzed in the media by specialists in climate science, hydrology, and urban planning, reflecting an unprecedented level of public engagement with science. In light of this context, the central research question is: What technical-scientific solutions were discussed in the past to protect Porto Alegre from flooding? Based on four historical documents from the field of engineering, this study examines how the city’s flood risk was addressed within the framework of modern scientific discourse. The analyzed sources reveal a vision of urban development deeply rooted in the ideals of modernity and in the belief in scientific and technical control over nature.