Evaluación de la red vial en el área urbana de la parroquia Izamba de la nueva historia de ambato, comprendida en la Zona 25

Abstract

This project arose from the need to evaluate and improve the road network in Zone 25 of Izamba parish in Ambato, Ecuador. Growing urbanization and increased vehicular traffic have led to significant deterioration of the road infrastructure, affecting mobility, safety, and the economic development of the community. Inadequate maintenance not only increases travel time and fuel consumption, but also has a negative impact on commercial competitiveness and the quality of life of the inhabitants. In this context, the implementation of a road evaluation and maintenance plan based on rigorous technical criteria is warranted in order to establish sustainable strategies to improve traffic flow and guarantee the durability of roads. In addition, topographic and georeferenced analysis is key to designing an efficient intervention program that takes into account the current conditions of the infrastructure and the environmental factors that influence its wear and tear. For the execution of the study, a methodology structured in three phases was used. In the first phase, a georeferenced planimetric survey was carried out using equipment such as RTK and drones to obtain detailed images of the study area, which made it possible to identify the dimensions of the roads. The second consisted of collecting data on vehicular traffic through the Thirtieth Hour method, evaluating the volume of traffic at different times to determine the Average Daily Annual Traffic (ADAT) and project its future growth. Soil studies were also carried out, including moisture content tests, granulometric analysis, Atterberg limits, Modified Proctor and CBR, in order to evaluate the structural capacity of the soil. In addition, the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) method was applied to diagnose the level of deterioration of the roads and define the type of intervention required. In the third, a reference budget was prepared for the execution of the maintenance works, considering the technical specifications and costs associated with road rehabilitation. The results of the study revealed that three roads are in very good condition and the remaining seven roads are in excellent condition, although some require preventive and corrective interventions to prolong their useful life. Recurrent failures such as cracks, longitudinal and transverse cracks, patches and aggregate detachment were identified, which can be addressed through sealing techniques, micro surfacing and asphalt resurfacing. In terms of traffic, there was a considerable flow of light vehicles, with peaks of heavier traffic in the afternoon, confirming the need for efficient road planning. In terms of soil structure, it was determined that the predominant material is silty sand, with good bearing capacity, which facilitates rehabilitation work. Finally, the analysis of the reference budget made it possible to estimate the intervention costs and define road maintenance strategies adapted to the needs of the area, guaranteeing the sustainability and functionality of the infrastructure in the medium and long term.