Characterization of the foundation soil for the expansion of the scientific base 'Machu Picchu' Antarctica

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31381/perfilesingenieria.v19i20.6306

Keywords:

Soil Mechanics, Machu Picchu Peruvian Scientific Base, Antarctica, Geotechnics, Punta Crepin, Morrenic deposits

Abstract

This report presents a geotechnical analysis of the soils in the area of ​​the Machu Picchu Peruvian scientific base, located at Punta Crepin, on the Antarctic peninsula. The work carried out is part of the soil studies necessary to define the foundation conditions for the future expansion and installation of new research modules at the base.

During the ANTAR XXVI expedition in 2019, the final geotechnical campaign was carried out to carry out a detailed reconnaissance of the soils that will serve as support for the foundations to be defined at the Peruvian base. This campaign included field work, carrying out 12 pits, 24 density tests and obtaining samples from the strata. These normal and special field and laboratory tests, in representative samples, will allow characterizing the soils under study.

The results obtained reveal that in Punta Crepin there is a superficial layer composed of polymictic gravels with intercalations of medium massive sandstones, typical characteristics of marine terraces. These soils cover most of the extension of the base. In addition, a predominantly gravel structure has been identified in the underlying strata, resulting from the erosion of morainic deposits and the formation of an alluvial-fluvial system. This formation with good load capacity will be used for the foundation of the new scientific modules at the base.

Considering the severe weather conditions and the existing soils, a special foundation is proposed to guarantee the stability of the structures to be built.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

Marco Antonio Hernández Aguilar, Universidad Ricardo Palma, Lima, Perú.

Civil Engineer CIP 064415, graduated from the Ricardo Palma University 1985 – 1991, Master in Engineering Sciences, with a mention in Geotechnical Engineering from the Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro - Brazil. 1993 – 1995. General Manager of Geo Master Ingenieros Consultores S.AC. 1997 – to date.

Ronald Saúl Vega López, Universidad Ricardo Palma, Lima, Perú.

Bachelor in Civil Engineering with studies completed at the Ricardo Palma Lima University, Peru; with a focus on the specialties of soil mechanics, geotechnics, pavements and mining.

References

T. W. Pari Pinto y B. Zavala Carrión, «Estudio Gefisico de los Suelos en Punta Crepi - Estacion Cientifica Peruana Machu Picchu (Isla Rey Jorge Antartida),» Instituto Geologico Minero y Metalurgico (INGEMMET), 1999.

LuisCerpa, «Estratigrafía de Punta Crepin, Isla Rey Jorge, Islas South Shetland, Antártida,» Boletin de la Sociedad Geológica del Perú (SGP), 2013.

M. A. Hernandez Aguilar y A. Sotil Chávez, «Estudio de Mecanica de Suelos con fines de Cimentacion en la Estacion Cientifica Antártida Machu Picchu (ECAMP) e la Isla Rey Jorge en la Antártida.,» Geomaster SAC., 2019.

R. N. d. Edificaciones, «Normal E.050 Suelos y Cimentaciones,» SENCICO, 2020.

Braja M Das, «Fundamentos de Ingenieria Geotecnica,» Mexico, vol. Cuarta Edicion, 2013.

Downloads

Published

2023-12-30

How to Cite

Hernández Aguilar, M. A., & Vega López, R. S. (2023). Characterization of the foundation soil for the expansion of the scientific base ’Machu Picchu’ Antarctica. Engineering Profiles, 19(20), 49–72. https://doi.org/10.31381/perfilesingenieria.v19i20.6306

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 20 (2023): Perfiles de Ingeniería (july-december) 2023

Section

Ingeniería Civil

License

Copyright (c) 2024 Marco Antonio Hernández Aguilar, Ronald Saúl Vega Lopez

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

In the event that the manuscript is approved for its next publication, the authors retain the copyright and assign to the journal the right of publication, edition, reproduction, distribution, exhibition and communication in the country of origin, as well as in the abroad, through print and electronic media in different databases. Therefore, it is established that after the publication of the articles, the authors may make other types of independent or additional agreements for the non-exclusive dissemination of the version of the article published in this journal (publication in books or institutional repositories), provided that it is explicitly indicated that the work has been published for the first time in this journal. 

To record this procedure, the author must complete the following forms:

  • Format 1 - Author information.
  • Format 2 - Affidavit of originality and authorization for the publication of articles.
  • Format 3 - Compliance with open science.