SOIL CHARACTERIZATION: INTEGRATING IN-SITU TEST, LABORATORY ANALYSIS, AND TERRAIN PARAMETERS

This research introduces an innovative methodology for characterizing geotechnical parameters of soils, crucial for designing foundations for various structures. Rather than relying on general correlations from geotechnical books, the primary goal is to obtain specific characteristic values tailored to the study area. The methodology establishes correlations between in-situ tests and laboratory tests to determine soil parameters in the Valley of the Chillos. The Valley of the Chillos is a geographical region in the southeastern part of Quito, Ecuador. It falls within the administrative zone of Los Chillos in the Metropolitan District of Quito. The valley is surrounded by the inactive Ilaló volcano to the north and the Pasochoa, Antisana, and Lomas de Puengasí mountains to the south, east, and west, respectively. To achieve the research objective, soil samples were collected using the Standard Penetration Test (SPT) at depths ranging from 1 to 15 meters, following the ASTM D-1586 standard. Additionally, undisturbed soil samples from the thin-walled Shelby tube were obtained in the field and subsequently tested in the laboratory. These tests covered aspects such as natural moisture content, granulometric analysis, Unified Soil Classification System, classification, liquid limit, plasticity index, specific gravity, void ratio, and degree of saturation. The results from both field and laboratory tests will be used to calculate the load capacity of foundations specifically for characteristic soils in the Los Chillos Valley, considering their classifications.