Evaluación Geomecánica de la Estabilidad de las Cavernas Humanti, Archidona - Napo

Abstract

The stability of the Humanti caverns, Napo province, Ecuador, was evaluated by means of geomechanical classifications: Bieniawski's RMR and Barton's Q index, as well as kinematic analysis techniques. The geomechanical classifications determine the quality of the rock mass by assigning a score to determine its overall stability and generate support recommendations. The results of four geomechanical stations studied showed that the caverns present a regular rock
quality, which is unstable and requires support. On the other hand, the kinematic analysis allowed determining the failure modes that are controlled by the structure of the rock mass, through this technique a total of fifteen unstable wedges in the roof were identified.