Estudio geológico geotécnico del movimiento de ladera del sector Santa Mariana de la ciudad de Loja

Abstract

Abstract: The slope failure is located southeast of the city of Loja, specifically in the neighborhood of Orillas del Zamora, known as "El Churo." This research addresses the stability of the slope named Santa Mariana, revealing an initial flow-type landslide that has evolved into a creeping-type movement. To determine mitigation measures, a geomechanical evaluation of the soils was carried out through laboratory tests. Within the SUCS classification, two types of soil were differentiated: high plasticity organic clay (OH) and medium plasticity clay (CL). Physical and chemical parameters were determined using electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), identifying lithologies of clays and shales, as well as fill areas, water points, and areas of slope displacement. Chemical analysis through X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed that the clay is of montmorillonite and illite types. The contribution of water saturates these clays, turning the slope movement active due to clay expansion. Stability assessment is conducted using the Bishop method with the GEO5 program, revealing an acceptable safety factor with the change in slope geometry. Keywords:.