Elaboración de un plan de mantenimiento de la vía de 5.3 km, Shell - Madre Tierra, Parroquias Shell y Madre Tierra, Cantón Mera, Provincia de Pastaza

Abstract

This study aims to develop a road maintenance plan for the section between Shell and Madre Tierra, with a total length of 5.3 km, located in the Mera canton, province of Pastaza. The proposal addresses the need to improve road infrastructure conditions, based on the results of the Pavement Condition Index (PCI), which yielded an average score of 49.80, classifying the road as being in “fair” condition and requiring rehabilitation. The methodology applied was technical-descriptive and structured in several stages, including topographic surveys using GNSS RTK equipment, traffic studies with manual counting stations, soil sampling for laboratory analysis, and visual distress assessment using the PCI method. In addition, the flexible pavement structural design was developed following the AASHTO 93 guidelines, incorporating parameters such as CBR, resilient modulus, design reliability, standard deviation, and equivalent single axle loads (ESALs). The resulting pavement structure consisted of a total thickness of 75 cm, distributed into a 40 cm subbase (class 2), 20 cm granular base (class 2), and a 15 cm hot mix asphalt wearing course. Based on the updated unit price analysis, considering equipment, materials, labor, and current MTOP regulations. The total estimated cost for the project is $1,587,554.72, covering tasks such as staking, pavement removal, structural layer placement, and horizontal signage. Water spraying for dust control was excluded from the budget, as the area presents high rainfall and minimal earthwork, making additional dust mitigation unnecessary. As a result, this project proposes a comprehensive and technically feasible solution to rehabilitate the road effectively, improving connectivity between rural communities and promoting economic development by ensuring safer and more efficient access routes.