Análisis comparativo del material proveniente de las minas “Explendor”, “La Ponderosa” y cantera “Tierra Prometida” de la provincia de Chimborazo utilizado para la elaboración de base y subbase en la construcción de carreteras

Abstract

It is important to note that in Ecuador, influenced by United States trade policies, the construction of high-quality roads has been common since ancient times. From then until the present, the road network has expanded due to the increase in population and commercial activities. This expansion has created the need to assess the characteristics of the materials used in the construction of these infrastructures. In this study, the quality of materials extracted from the Explendor, La Ponderosa, and Tierra Prometida mines was evaluated through a comparative analysis of performance and mechanical properties for the development of bases and sub-bases in road construction. This study was characterized by an experimental approach involving the direct evaluation and testing of the physical and mechanical properties of these mines and quarries in the province of Chimborazo. The results of the analysis show that most of the materials from the mines meet the standards established by the Ministry of Public Works (MOP); however, La Ponderosa does not meet the requirements for the abrasion of base material, as the obtained value (44 percent) exceeds the permissible limit (40 percent). Additionally, it has been verified that the materials comply with CBR values of more than 80 percent for bases and more than 30 percent for sub-bases. It is recommended to use material from Explendor deposits for projects requiring high mechanical strength and durability of bases and sub-bases.