The design of infrastructures in stiff jointed clay formations: A step towards a geological-geotechnical integrated approach

Scarpelli, Giuseppe; Fruzzetti, Viviene M. E.; Ruggeri, Paolo

doi:10.1016/j.enggeo.2022.106681

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

References 27 publications

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“…Influential conditioning factors, such as lithology and the physical-mechanical properties of rocks and soils, coupled with triggering events like earthquakes and rainfall, directly impact the lifespan of structures [3]. Hence, the execution of meticulous geomechanical characterisation studies is necessitated to discern the geotechnical properties of materials and to demarcate areas conducive for construction [4], in accordance with prevailing international construction regulations [5]. Yet, despite technological advancements, field data collection and the implementation of geotechnical tests pose significant challenges concerning cost and time, underscoring the essentiality of employing indirect methods for soil exploration via geophysics [6].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Geotechnical Characterization for Territorial Planning of a Special Economic Zone at a University Campus in Ecuador

Carrión-Mero,

Solórzano,

Cabrera

et al. 2023

IJDNE

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Special Economic Zones (SEZs) facilitate heightened free trade logistics, enabling companies to expand their operations and product development within a nation. This study seeks to geomechanically characterise a pilot area within the Special Economic Zone Development Zone (ZEDE) at ESPOL Polytechnic University, Ecuador. The area has been marked by limited information concerning the geotechnical properties of the soil and rock formations. The goal of the study is to inform referential zoning for constructions, thereby fostering sustainable development of businesses and industries in the area. The methodology utilised in this study was threefold: (i) an inquiry into existing data and an on-site inspection, (ii) a geophysical campaign encompassing Vertical Electrical Soundings, seismic refraction, and geotechnical characterisation for result correlation, and (iii) an assessment of slope stability, on-site response spectrums, soil profile classifications, safety factors, and construction risk zoning. The study area, approximately 28 ha, was characterised by soils and rock formations, such as lapilli tuffs and tuffaceous shales, with resistive loads reaching up to 26.10 MPa. These geotechnical attributes permit the construction of structures exceeding four stories. The integration of geological and geotechnical data revealed that 75% of the study area presents low to medium construction risk related to instability, thereby indicating suitable areas for territorial planning. The methodology proposed in this study provides a replicable tool for application across the ZEDE, facilitating the creation of strategies for a land-use plan within an innovative university campus. Future large-scale studies could incorporate hydrogeological analysis, evaluation of environmental impact, and the development of mitigation plans for anthropogenic activities.

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