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Volume 10, No. 19Journal 19

DOI:https://doi.org/10.15517/x8s9v241

Published October 22, 2025

Scientific Papers

  1. Ernesto Zaldívar Serrano (Author)

    Safety analysis in the calculation of overlay thicknesses for flexible pavements

    The use pd the concept of security of security is analyzed in the overlay design of flexible pavements; the option more used in the Latin American countries is the concept of reliability, especially the one used in the method AASTHO, guides of 1986 and 1993. In the method, the level of reliability expressed in percent is used and the general standard deviation associated with the data of the project. In these guides recommendations are made on the use of this general standard deviation and when the designers don’t have full knowledge, it can lead to designs over or sub dimensioned. In this research, a procedure is proposed for the calculation of the general standard deviation of the project, which allows using more rational security factors. 

  2. Hugo Alexander Rondón Quintana, Fredy Alberto Reyes Lizcano, Ana Sofía Figueroa Infante, Edgar Rodríguez Rincón, Claudia Marcela Real Triana, Tito Alexander Montealegre Elizalde (Author)

    State of the art of research on modified asphalt mixtures in Colombia

    In the world, the technology of modified asphalts has been a widely used technique to improve the characteristics that reveal the conventional asphalt mixtures when they are put at elevated levels of traffic and gradients of temperature. In Colombia, the research developments in the area of asphalts and de modified asphalt mixtures are extensive in comparison with the amount of constructed structures of flexible pavements using this technology. The article presents the state of the knowledge of the studies that have been developed with diverse groups and institutions of investigation in the modified area of asphalts and asphalt mixtures in Colombia.

  3. Alicia Barrera Morales (Author)

    Analysis of physical vulnerability and threats to the Northern Longitudinal Highway in the micro‑regions of Metapán and Alto Lempa Norte, Northern Region, El Salvador

    The analysis of a 42 km section of the North Longitudinal Highway in El Salvador is developed in this work. It corresponds to the investigation thesis to obtain the degree of Master in Risk Management and Emergency Attention of the Postgrade Studies Program in Geology of the University of Costa Rica. 

    The work is based in the application of two methodologies that were developed and applied by the LanammeUCR in mountain highways in Costa Rica. One of then evaluates the susceptibility of land slipping, based on obtaining the critical angle through the average angle of the slope and its standard deviation in the slipped areas or prone to slips. The second methodology, evaluates the susceptibility of the highway to mud and detritus flows, based on the Kanji Methodology that considers the existence or combination of factors that influence the activation of this type of events. 

    These methodologies already used in Costa Rica, will be applied for the first time in El Salvador in the highway tract already described, giving valid results, which will contribute in its final design, that at this time is being developed by the local Government and the private company. 

  4. Álvaro Ulloa, Gustavo Badilla, Jaime Allen, Denia Sibaja Obando (Author)

    Determination of truck factors in Costa Rican pavements

    In Costa Rica, many bituminous wearing courses fail due to the stresses imposed by vehicles.

    This study presents the results of the determination of Truck Factors on eight major roadways in Costa Rica. The research is based on the analysis of vehicle load data and traffic classifications.

    As general conclusions, the study confirms that the Typical Truck Factors used in Costa Rica underestimate the actual vehicle loads. Furthermore, it highlights the need for effective Vehicle Weight Control.

  5. Fabián Elizondo, Álvaro Ulloa, Gustavo Badilla (Author)

    Prediction of resilient moduli in asphalt mixtures using the Witczak model

    This article presents a simplified calculation method of the modulus of bituminous mixtures. This method uses results of basic laboratory tests and general information of materials. 

    In this investigation an asphalt and ten gradations were analyzed in order to evaluate the Witczak model to predict the modulus of bituminous mixtures and if this could be used with the conditions and characteristics of mixtures in Costa Rica. 

    The study confirms that the model must be calibrated to the conditions and materials of each country. Finally, the study presents a simplified tool that the engineer can use to predict the modulus in bituminous mixtures and the uses in the structural pavement design.