Evaluación superficial de la vía Loja Saraguro, tramo abscisas 34+000 a 68+700cCarlos Fernando Feijoo Veintimilla.

Abstract

Abstract: The purpose of this research is to evaluate the surface condition of the rigid pavement of the Loja-Saraguro road (Trocal de la Sierra E-35), specifically the section between abscissas 34+000 and 68+700, using the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) and the International Roughness Index (IRI). For this research, the ASTM D6433-20 (2020) standard was used to calculate the PCI, and a Class III surface roughness tester was used to obtain the IRI, for both directions of traffic. An average PCI of 62.33 and a section PCI of 53.77 were obtained, classifying the section as good and fair, respectively. Of the 19 defects recorded in the standard, 10 were found during the inspection, the most frequent being: split slabs, corner cracks, and deterioration of joint seals. Significant deterioration was observed in certain sections, requiring the implementation of maintenance and rehabilitation strategies, which would help improve road safety, user comfort, and extend the road's lifespan.