Design of the stabilization solutions in the general patrimonial cemetery of Guayaquil, Ecuador

Abstract

In Guayaquil, Ecuador, the general patrimonial cemetery, having inherited a space from a quarry of 1970, has a rock fall detachment problem, which endangers the visitors, the tombs with their respective sacred-respect and the recognized heritage values (thanks to its distinction of "Nation Cultural Heritage"). Geomechanical studies were performed to diagnose the current state of the vertical slope of almost 45 m in height, located at Gate # 1, and establish ways to solve this problem. The aim of this article focuses on designing the stabilization solutions for this steep slope by technical considerations studies, or the proposal of measures and their conditioning, so that provide the necessary assurances within the cemetery. The methodology considers: i) Analysis of the results of the studies carried out on the slope, ii) Design calculations according to slope safety, iii) Design and safety considerations. It was determined that the weight of the blocks, which could be detached, can be on average of 7.54 Ton. In this case it is proposed to design a network of injected bolts with 25 mm in diameter and 3 m length, with different angles of inclination, which should be specified in each case, which generates a stabilizing force of at least 15 Ton, with a safety factor of 1.74, considering hydrostatic thrust and seismic accelerations. To achieve a front that supports the loads, in addition to the bolts, we designed a 10 cm thick shotcrete layer. Drainage pipes of 0.5 m long have been designed to control the water flow, which would accumulate behind the concrete wall. Other actions must also be implemented, such as removing gabion bodies that have been built at the top of the slope.