Análisis geotécnico-económico comparativo entre diques construidos con materiales arcillosos y gravosos en el proyecto control de inundaciones del río Cañar

Abstract

The present study aims to analyze from a geotechnical perspective, alternatives to existing methods employed for flood control by the Cañar River project. By building four full-scale test embankments, the project was able to determine the most effective option to be implemented. Particular attention was given to construction methodology and quality control during each stage of the construction process to ensure the functionality, features and structural strength of the levees after completion. By laboratory tests carried out on subsurface conditions and materials in the area, it was confirmed that the required parameters for implementation in the final construction project were met. Furthermore, to avoid any catastrophic failures, each embankment was subjected to permeability and stability analysis. All four were found to comply with the appropriate design criteria. Finally, it was determined that each of the four alternatives were of optimum levee structural strength and implementable if so desired by the project; although from the economic perspective states that themost appropriate solutions are the clay dike screen and granular shoulder, and homogeneous clay dam, the first will be built on the banks of rivers, and the second along the bypass.