http://www.dspace.espol.edu.ec/handle/123456789/50560 Maestría en Geotecnia Wed, 06 May 2026 06:57:28 GMT 2026-05-06T06:57:28Z http://www.dspace.espol.edu.ec/handle/123456789/68017 Estado del arte sobre métodos empíricos y numéricos de análisis de estabilidad de cuevas: aplicación en tubo de lava de Al-Badia, en Harrat Al-Shaam, Jordania Herrera Tamayo, Ronald Eduardo; Bordehore, Luis Jordá, Director CONDITION FOR PUBLICATION OF PROJECT. Empirical and numerical methodologies for the geomechanical assessment of underground excavations have evolved in recent years to adapt to the geotechnical and structural conditions of natural caves, enabling stability evaluation and ensuring safe conditions for speleological exploration. This study analyzes the evolution of the state of the art of these techniques worldwide, assessing their reliability and application context, and identifying the most suitable methodologies for determining the stability of the Al-Badia lava tube. The research was conducted through bibliographic analysis and rock mass characterization using empirical geomechanical classifications. Subsequently, the finite element numerical method was applied to compare the obtained results and model the stress-strain behavior of the cavity. The results allowed the classification of the Al-Badia lava tube into stable, transition, and unstable zones, using empirical support charts and determining the safety factors of the surrounding rock mass. Keywords: Geomechanical characterization; structural stability; rock collapse, lava tuve CONDICIONAMIENTO DE PUBLICACION DE PROYECTO. Las metodologías empíricas y numéricas para la evaluación geomecánica de excavaciones subterráneas han evolucionado en los últimos años para adaptarse a las condiciones geotécnicas y estructurales de las cuevas naturales, permitiendo evaluar su estabilidad y garantizar condiciones seguras para la exploración espeleológica. Este estudio analiza la evolución del estado del arte de estas técnicas en diversas regiones del mundo, evaluando su confiabilidad y contexto de aplicación, identificando las metodologías más adecuadas para determinar la estabilidad del tubo de lava de Al-Badia. La investigación se desarrolló a partir de un análisis bibliográfico y la caracterización del macizo rocoso mediante clasificaciones geomecánicas empíricas. Posteriormente, se aplicó el método numérico de elementos finitos para comparar los resultados obtenidos y modelar el comportamiento esfuerzo-deformación de la cavidad. Los resultados permitieron clasificar los sectores del tubo de lava de Al-Badia en zonas estables, de transición e inestables, utilizando gráficas empíricas de soporte y determinando factores de seguridad del macizo rocoso circundante. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://www.dspace.espol.edu.ec/handle/123456789/68017 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://www.dspace.espol.edu.ec/handle/123456789/68016 Caracterización geomecánica de los materiales graníticos y metamórficos de Morona Santiago, Ecuador Becerra Moreira, Walter David; Tupac Yupanqui Rodríguez, Antonella Zulema; Bordehore, Luis Jorda, Director CONDITION FOR PUBLICATION OF PROJECT. Subsoil characterization is a fundamental aspect in the planning and design of hydroelectric projects, as it allows for the evaluation of the technical and geotechnical viability of the proposed infrastructures, ensuring their stability and functionality. According to Hoek and Brown (1997), understanding the geomechanical properties of the rock mass is essential to anticipate its behavior under static and dynamic loads, minimizing risks during construction and operation. This study focuses on the geomechanical characterization of rock masses in the areas of "Santa Rosa" and "El Rosario," located in Morona Santiago, Ecuador, with the aim of determining key parameters for the design of hydroelectric projects. Field and laboratory tests were conducted, including uniaxial compression tests, Brazilian tensile tests, point load tests, tilt tests, and geomechanical classifications using the RMR and Q indices. The results show that igneous rocks, such as basalt and andesite, exhibit mechanical properties ranging from moderate to high, with unconfined compressive strengths exceeding 120 MPa in the case of basalt, classifying them as strong rocks. In contrast, metamorphic rocks, such as chert, show lower strength, with values between 69.69 MPa and 90.63 MPa, classifying them as moderately resistant. The values of the RMR and Q indices reflect a variable quality of the rock mass, from excellent in areas of diorites and granites to low in zones with significant discontinuities and alterations. Additionally, variations in basic friction angles were identified, with values ranging from 18.58° to 38.35°, which directly influence the stability of the projected structures. These data, integrated with numerical models and empirical analyses, provide a solid foundation for the design of tunnels minimizing geotechnical risks. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of geomechanical characterization to ensure the technical viability of hydroelectric projects, providing key information for the design and development of safe and sustainable infrastructures in the region. Keywords: geomechanical characterization; rock strength; hydroelectric projects CONDICIONANIENTO DE PUBLICACION DE PROYECTO. La caracterización del subsuelo es un aspecto fundamental en la planificación y diseño de proyectos hidroeléctricos, ya que permite evaluar la viabilidad técnica y geotécnica de las infraestructuras propuestas, garantizando su estabilidad y funcionalidad. Según Hoek y Brown (1997), comprender las propiedades geomecánicas del macizo rocoso es esencial para anticipar su comportamiento frente a cargas estáticas y dinámicas, minimizando riesgos durante la construcción y operación. Este estudio se centra en la caracterización geomecánica de los macizos rocosos en las zonas de "Santa Rosa" y "El Rosario", ubicadas en Morona Santiago, Ecuador, con el objetivo de determinar parámetros clave para el diseño de proyectos hidroeléctricos. Se realizaron ensayos de campo y laboratorio, incluyendo pruebas de compresión uniaxial, tracción brasileña, carga puntual, tilt test y clasificaciones geomecánicas mediante los índices RMR y Q. Los resultados muestran que las rocas ígneas, como el basalto y la andesita, presentan propiedades mecánicas que varían de moderadas a altas, con resistencias a compresión simple superiores a 120 MPa en el caso del basalto, clasificándose como rocas fuertes. En contraste, las rocas metamórficas, como el chert, presentan menor resistencia, con valores entre 69.69 MPa y 90.63 MPa, clasificándose como moderadamente resistentes. Los valores de los índices RMR y Q reflejan una calidad variable del macizo rocoso, desde excelente en sectores de dioritas y granitos, hasta baja en zonas con discontinuidades y alteraciones significativas. Además, se identificaron variaciones en los ángulos de fricción básicos, con valores entre 18.58° y 38.35°, lo que influye directamente en la estabilidad de las estructuras proyectadas. Estos datos, integrados con modelos numéricos y análisis empíricos, proporcionan una base sólida para el diseño de túneles minimizando riesgos geotécnicos. En conclusión, este estudio destaca la importancia de la caracterización geomecánica para garantizar la viabilidad técnica de proyectos hidroeléctricos, proporcionando información clave para el diseño y desarrollo de infraestructuras seguras y sostenibles en la región. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://www.dspace.espol.edu.ec/handle/123456789/68016 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://www.dspace.espol.edu.ec/handle/123456789/68015 Correlaciones de parámetros mecánicos mediante la utilización del cono de penetración dinámico (DCP) y la relacion de soporte de California (CBR), suelos de la Provincia de Napo, Ecuador León Yumbo, Idania Alejandra; Bojorque Iñeguez, Jaime Asdrubal, Director CONDITION FOR PUBLICATION OF PROJECT. In Ecuador, and particularly in Napo Province, road project planning faces significant challenges due to the limited availability of resources for conducting comprehensive geotechnical studies. This constraint often prevents the acquisition of detailed information on soil conditions, which in turn affects the quality and sustainability of infrastructure works. To address this issue, the Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) test is proposed as a cost-effective alternative for estimating soil bearing capacity, expressed in terms of the California Bearing Ratio (CBR). This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the values obtained through the DCP test and various mechanical properties of the soil. Fourteen representative samples were randomly collected and subjected to laboratory tests standardized under ASTM specifications. The parameters determined included maximum dry density, optimum moisture content, penetration resistance, Atterberg limits, and grain size distribution. Based on the data obtained, CBR prediction models were developed. The first of a potential nature, achieved a coefficient of determination of 𝑅2=0.973. The second model, developed through multiple linear regression and incorporating maximum dry density, optimum moisture content, and DCP results, yielded a multiple correlation coefficient of 0.908. Keywords: Geotechnics, soil mechanics, Dynamic Cone Penetrometer test, DCP, California Bearing Ratio, CBR, geotechnical correlations, bearing capacity, road infrastructure, Ecuador, Napo. CONDICIONANIENTO DE PUBLICACION DE PROYECTO. En Ecuador, la planificación de proyectos viales y en particular en la provincia de Napo enfrenta serias limitaciones debido a la escasez de recursos destinados a estudios geotécnicos exhaustivos. Esta carencia impide que, en muchos casos, se obtenga información detallada sobre las condiciones del terreno, lo que afecta la calidad y sostenibilidad de las obras. Frente a este panorama, se plantea como alternativa la utilización del ensayo de Cono de Penetración Dinámico (DCP) para estimar de manera económica la capacidad de soporte del suelo, expresada en términos de California Bearing Ratio (CBR). El estudio consistió en analizar la relación entre los valores obtenidos mediante el DCP y diversas propiedades mecánicas del suelo. Para ello, se recopilaron 14 muestras representativas, seleccionadas de forma aleatoria, a las que se aplicaron ensayos normalizados bajo las especificaciones ASTM. Se determinaron parámetros como densidad seca máxima, humedad óptima, resistencia a la penetración, límites de consistencia y distribución granulométrica. Con los datos obtenidos se desarrollaron modelos de predicción del CBR. El primero, de naturaleza potencial, alcanzó un coeficiente de determinación 𝑅2=0.973. El segundo modelo, construido a partir de una regresión lineal múltiple que incorporó la densidad seca máxima, la humedad óptima y los resultados del DCP, arrojó un coeficiente de correlación múltiple de 0.908. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://www.dspace.espol.edu.ec/handle/123456789/68015 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://www.dspace.espol.edu.ec/handle/123456789/68014 Análisis de la estabilidad de taludes y planteamiento de estrategias de mitigación para la sostenibilidad energética del Ecuador: Caso de estudio hidroeléctrica sopladora Segarra López, Josué David; Vázquez Flores, Pedro Andrés; Morante Carballo, Fernando Enrique, Director Slope stability is a key aspect of geotechnical engineering, particularly in mountainous regions with steep gradients, active seismicity, and high precipitation levels. The Sopladora Hydroelectric Power Plant, located in southeastern Ecuador, is part of the Paute Integral Hydroelectric Complex and has a generation capacity of 487 MW. In the study area, previous investigations have identified 21 landslides, which pose a potential threat to Ecuador’s electric power generation system. This study aims to propose mitigation strategies using geophysical techniques, geotechnical correlation, and analysis to rehabilitate landslide-prone areas along the access road to the Sopladora powerhouse. Field visits were conducted to delineate specific zones for the investigation of unstable slopes. Seismic and geoelectrical profiling predominantly confirmed the presence of weathered/saturated schists (6–300 Ω∙m) and moderately to slightly weathered schists (300–3000 Ω∙m). Based on the geophysical data, geotechnical correlations were established for parameters such as cohesion, friction angle, and unit weight. Numerical modeling using Slide2 (limit equilibrium method) and RS2 (finite element method) was performed to evaluate the factor of safety (FS) of the slopes, identifying high-risk instability zones with FS values ranging from 0.58 to 0.92 under static and pseudo-static conditions. Based on geological studies and slope geometry, a stabilization solution is proposed involving active anchors arranged in a staggered pattern (“tres bolillo”), shotcrete lining (f′c = 210 MPa, thickness = 0.08 m), and the installation of horizontal drains. The implementation of this solution seeks to ensure the safe operation of the hydroelectric facility—allowing for regular maintenance of its turbines—and to support the country’s energy sustainability within the Paute hydroelectric complex. Slope stability is a key aspect of geotechnical engineering, particularly in mountainous regions with steep gradients, active seismicity, and high precipitation levels. The Sopladora Hydroelectric Power Plant, located in southeastern Ecuador, is part of the Paute Integral Hydroelectric Complex and has a generation capacity of 487 MW. In the study area, previous investigations have identified 21 landslides, which pose a potential threat to Ecuador’s electric power generation system. This study aims to propose mitigation strategies using geophysical techniques, geotechnical correlation, and analysis to rehabilitate landslide-prone areas along the access road to the Sopladora powerhouse. Field visits were conducted to delineate specific zones for the investigation of unstable slopes. Seismic and geoelectrical profiling predominantly confirmed the presence of weathered/saturated schists (6–300 Ω∙m) and moderately to slightly weathered schists (300–3000 Ω∙m). Based on the geophysical data, geotechnical correlations were established for parameters such as cohesion, friction angle, and unit weight. Numerical modeling using Slide2 (limit equilibrium method) and RS2 (finite element method) was performed to evaluate the factor of safety (FS) of the slopes, identifying high-risk instability zones with FS values ranging from 0.58 to 0.92 under static and pseudo-static conditions. Based on geological studies and slope geometry, a stabilization solution is proposed involving active anchors arranged in a staggered pattern (“tres bolillo”), shotcrete lining (f′c = 210 MPa, thickness = 0.08 m), and the installation of horizontal drains. The implementation of this solution seeks to ensure the safe operation of the hydroelectric facility—allowing for regular maintenance of its turbines—and to support the country’s energy sustainability within the Paute hydroelectric complex. Keywords: Geotechnics, slope analysis, mitigation, geophysics, limit equilibrium, finite elements, and retaining structures. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://www.dspace.espol.edu.ec/handle/123456789/68014 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z