MAP OF SOIL UNITS AND SURFACE LITHOLOGY AS A CONTRIBUTION TO THE OVERALL PROJECT RISK MANAGEMENT IN URBAN SPACES - MÉRIDA PHASE, VENEZUELA

Abstract

Research carried out within the project entitled “Integrated risk management in urban areas (Mérida Phase)” framed in Science Mission project, had as main objective (geological – geotechnical- geomorphological component) produce a map susceptibility to mass movements in the metropolitan area of Libertador Municipality of Mérida, which resulted from the integration of five conditions to the stability variables: slope, vegetation, geomorphology, kinematics and ground units and surface lithology. For purposes of the article will present one of the main variables used, the map units of soil and surface lithology. This map represents a proposal to be included within the susceptibility maps, allowing mapping the distribution area of surface geological materials based on their physical and geomechanical state, condition not considered in the classical analysis. Based on this new method, it was possible to characterize seventeen units surface material, considering: resistance, degree of fracturing, weathering and geomechanical behavior of materials, also establishing levels of propensity to instability.