Rediseño de calles secundarias L= 800m de pavimento flexible construidos en suelos arcillosos en la Zona 1 del Cantón La Libertad provincia de Santa Elena

Abstract

This project focuses on the redesign of clayey soils using geotextiles to stabilize and increase the bearing capacity of the soil, applied to a section of Av. Octava, classified as a secondary road. The objective is to improve the quality and durability of flexible pavements in soils with expansive characteristics due to the presence of kaolinite, justified by the adverse climatic conditions of the Ecuadorian coastal region. The development included laboratory tests to determine the mechanical properties of the soil, which revealed its low bearing capacity. Polyethylene meshes and membranes were implemented as an alternative to the traditional use of granular material in the improvement layer, reducing layer thickness and construction costs. The results demonstrated an increase in pavement lifespan from 20 to 25 years and extended maintenance cycles from 3 to 5 years. Furthermore, the redesigned system significantly enhanced structural performance and user comfort. It is concluded that geotextiles are an effective and economical solution for roads in clayey soils. Future studies should explore the combined use of geogrids, geomembranes, and geotextiles in larger-scale projects. Keywords: Geotextile, clayey soils, flexible pavement, bearing capacity.