Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Early Investigation of a Landslide Sliding Surface by HVSR and VES Geophysical Techniques Combined. A Case Study in Guarumales (Ecuador)

Version 1 : Received: 5 January 2023 / Approved: 6 January 2023 / Online: 6 January 2023 (13:13:54 CET)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Alonso-Pandavenes, O.; Torrijo, F.J.; Garzón-Roca, J.; Gracia, A. Early Investigation of a Landslide Sliding Surface by HVSR and VES Geophysical Techniques Combined, a Case Study in Guarumales (Ecuador). Appl. Sci. 2023, 13, 1023. Alonso-Pandavenes, O.; Torrijo, F.J.; Garzón-Roca, J.; Gracia, A. Early Investigation of a Landslide Sliding Surface by HVSR and VES Geophysical Techniques Combined, a Case Study in Guarumales (Ecuador). Appl. Sci. 2023, 13, 1023.

Abstract

The access road to the powerhouse's hydraulic system's facilities in Guarumales (Azuay, Ecuador) presents a medium-sized landslide. Geophysical tests were conducted in the initial research stage, combining electrical and seismic methods. A SEV and HVSR surveys campaign have been taken as a reference for the analysis of the landslide area. The distribution of these test points has been at three different levels along the landslide where the access road crosses it and trying to cover the area's most extensive possible length and width. In the area, we find the geology dominated by the presence of schists, altered to different degrees and presenting blocks of material with a lower degree of alteration within colluvium formed by a clayey matrix and coarse material of the exact nature. There is also evidence of surface and groundwater in the area. The results obtained through SEV tests have allowed for defining the separation zone of the mobilized or sliding materials compared to the fixed or immobile ones (potentially, the sliding surface was marked). Using the HVSR technique, the natural vibration frequencies of the ground associated with the sliding mass (separation of seismic impedances between a two-layer model: mobile and fixed) have been determined. Previous authors proposed an empirical relationship establishing the exponential relationship, already proposed by previous authors, between sediment thickness and natural frequencies. It has been possible to determine the depth of the position of the loosely compacted sediment zone (and probably moving or mobilized) compared to that of compact materials (immobile) and thereby define the potential rupture surface.

Keywords

Landslide; HVSR; VES; Rupture surface; Guarumales (Ecuador)

Subject

Environmental and Earth Sciences, Geophysics and Geology

Comments (0)

We encourage comments and feedback from a broad range of readers. See criteria for comments and our Diversity statement.

Leave a public comment
Send a private comment to the author(s)
* All users must log in before leaving a comment
Views 0
Downloads 0
Comments 0
Metrics 0


×
Alerts
Notify me about updates to this article or when a peer-reviewed version is published.
We use cookies on our website to ensure you get the best experience.
Read more about our cookies here.