Caracterización geotécnica de un suelo tropical laterítico

Abstract

The soils in the tropics are heavily influenced by factors such as weather, temperature, and vegetation, among others. These factors contribute to form a variety of materials with specific engineering properties. They are different from properties common in temperate region soils. This article presents a descriptive geotechnical analysis of a lateritic tropical soil that is located on a slope of Girardota-Antioquia (Colombia). The analysis focuses on the characterization of the upper layer in the profile in order to determinate its physical, mechanical, mineralogical and structural properties. Based on the kind of soil, more specific and appropriate lab tests were performed (fast Miniature Compact Tropical classification, ΔpH chemical analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy, x-ray diffraction, soil matrix suction, disintegration, collapse, etc.) in order to define the level of influence of the lateritation process in the geotechnical behavior of the upper layer.