Evaluación de comportamiento estructural de pilotes para una edificación de 5 plantas dentro de la UPS - Sede Guayaquil

Abstract

This research was conducted with the purpose of characterizing the stratigraphic profile, bearing capacity, and dynamic behavior of the subsoil at the Universidad Politécnica Salesiana, Guayaquil campus, for the design of deep foundations under gravity loads. Geologically, the study area is located on estuarine deposits composed of high-compressibility clays and silts with low shear strength. The methodology involved indirect geophysical prospecting using a Gea24 PASI seismograph and a configuration of 24 vertical geophones. For the Seismic Refraction test (ASTM D 5777 standard), aimed at determining 2D stratigraphy and longitudinal wave velocities (Vp), 15 Hz geophones were utilized. Additionally, Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) and Refraction Microtremor (ReMi) methods were applied using 4.5 Hz geophones to obtain the 1D shear wave velocity (Vs) profile up to a depth of 30 meters. The energy source consisted of controlled impacts using an 8 kg sledgehammer on a steel plate. Subsequently, numerical modeling was developed using finite element software. The superstructure's behavior under gravity loads was simulated, while the piling system was modeled for the infrastructure, considering soil-structure interaction and the non-linear properties of the identified strata. The results defined a stratigraphy composed of four levels: the first stratum extends from 0.00 m to 3.38 m; the second from 3.38 m to 9.36 m; the third from 9.36 m to 21.15 m; and finally, the fourth stratum from 21.15 m to 30.00 m. The subsoil was categorized as Type D according to the NEC-2015 (Ecuadorian Construction Code) with a vibration period of 0.33. The finite element modeling confirmed that the pile tip must reach the fourth stratum to ensure stability, ensuring that calculated settlements remain within serviceability limits.