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Technical Closure of the Humberto Molina Astudillo Hospital and Its Implications for Sustainability, Zaruma-Ecuador

Abstract:

Zaruma, a heritage city of Ecuador with a rich geological mining history, it suffers from technical problems of stability. The Humberto Molina Hospital and its surroundings have been affected by different geodynamic events, causing damage to buildings. The aim of this study is to analyze the technical components that led to the Hospital's closure through engineering considerations of studies carried out and a matrix that includes the implications of the inhabitants' perception of the closure for the proposal of remediation measures. The methodology considers: a) Surveys and analysis of citizen perception; b) Analysis of the technical studies and its components; and c) Remediation proposal for the rehabilitation and sustainability of the Hospital. Citizen perception is aware of the imperative need for a hospital for a city recognized as a "magic town" (2019) by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism. The stability analysis shows that the steep slopes decrease the safety factor. The study area has low susceptibility to landslide, also are present extreme precipitation conditions and fill areas. The design of berms and the construction of rainwater collection channels are recommended, so that they do not infiltrate, and do not saturate the saprolite in the area (generating instability on slopes).