Análisis de la estabilidad de suelos y rocas blandas. Caso de estudio: tres taludes en la Ruta Nacional No. 856

Abstract

Along national route No. 856, which is approximately 154 km long and is divided into 5 sections, several interventions have been conducted on its slopes during the past three years. In some places along the route, this has caused slope failure, having an impact on people, transportation and socio-economic conditions in general, and also causing sediment transport to the San Juan River, as a result of the environmental degradation caused by landslides. Thus, this research project is aimed at analyzing and designing engineering solutions to slope instability problems in soils and soft rocks along route No. 856. The analysis includes field and laboratory studies in order to characterize the slopes, and mathematical modeling and calibration using back-analysis to calculate stabilization solutions with the software code SLOPE/W® using the Morgenstern-Price method. This allows evaluating the slope conditions resulting from the interventions, thus providing valuable knowledge about physical and mechanical properties as well as about stabilization measures for soils and soft rocks present in the north border area of the country. This work will be useful in stabilization and remedial works that are being carried out in the area, which would eventually reduce the gradual collapse of slope and subsequent sediment transport, and consequently reduce government expenses on inadequate solutions. Additionally, the results of this research project will have a positive impact on the improvement of the socioeconomic conditions and the protection and preservation of the environment in this northern part of the country.