Análisis de las correlaciones entre CBR, DCP, propiedades índice y mecánicas en suelos de las parroquias las pampas y palo quemado, cantón Sigchos, provincia de Cotopaxi

Abstract

The main objective of this experimental work was to establish correlation equations between CBR (California Bearing Ratio), DCP (Dynamic Cone Penetrometer), and the index and mechanical properties of soils in the Las Pampas and Palo Quemado parishes of the Sigchos canton in the Cotopaxi province. The intention is to use these equations to obtain approximate values of soil properties and apply them in the preliminary design of a flexible pavement structure. It is important to note that this proposal does not aim to replace the standardized soil testing methodology. Achieving this objective was divided into three phases. In the first phase, four roads were selected from among the two parishes, with three boreholes per road for a total of twelve. In these boreholes, in-situ tests were conducted, and samples were extracted for laboratory analysis. Laboratory tests were performed on the twelve samples to determine the index and mechanical properties of the soils. For the second phase, correlations were established between these properties, considering those with a coefficient of determination greater than seventy percent as valid. Finally, in the third phase, the design of the flexible pavement structure was carried out for the road connecting both parishes under study. In this process, both the laboratory-obtained CBR and the CBR derived from a selected correlation were used. It is noteworthy that there was no difference, as for both methods, the design consisted of an asphalt layer of 10 cm, a base of 15 cm, and a subbase of 20 cm. It was concluded that there is not a good correlation between CBR and DCP, as the coefficient of determination fell outside the acceptable range.