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Accurate estimations of Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) are a valuable tool for simulating the carbon cycle and therefore play a significant role in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. However, the estimation of GPP is a large challenge, owing to the lack of direct. In this study, GPP was estimated using machine learning models (ML), such as Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Regression (SVR), in páramo. The strength and complex nonlinear relationships that dominate the GPP are fundamentally important to conduct an uncertainty analysis for future climate projections. This study evaluated the relationship between biometeorological variables, remote sensing data and GPP estimation. The methodology used to estimate GPP confirmed that ML-based models performed better than traditional models. The performance of ML models varied significantly among seasons, with R ranging from 0.24-0.86. The RF model performed better in capturing the temporal changes and magnitude of GPP in less humid season, displaying the highest R (0.86), lowest RMSE (0.37 g C/m2), and lowest PBIAS (-3 %). In addition, the importance of the variables showed that solar radiation was the most significant predictor of GPP. This suggests that production in the Páramo biome is not limited by water, but by the amount of incident solar radiation. The study provided an approach to derive daily GPP fluxes over a 2-year study period. This study has attempted to assess the impact of various variables on GPP estimates. It can be used to further the development of vegetation prediction models

El presente trabajo se centra en el diseño y cálculo estructural de un puente de hormigón armado, destinado a proporcionar acceso a la localidad de La Caldera, Salta Capital, actualmente carente de una conexión vial apropiada. El deficiente acceso que presenta genera limitaciones significativas en términos de movilidad y desarrollo, tanto para la comunidad que habita allí, como para los ocasionales visitantes. El objetivo principal de este proyecto es abordar esta carencia, proporcionando una solución segura y eficiente, que mejore la conectividad de la región. El diseño del puente se ha elaborado teniendo en cuenta diversos factores, incluyendo la topografía del terreno, así como los requisitos de resistencia. Se ha realizado un análisis de las cargas que el puente podría experimentar durante su vida útil. Se ha seleccionado cuidadosamente el tipo de puente más apropiado para las condiciones del sitio, teniendo en cuenta factores como la longitud del tramo a cubrir, disponibilidad de materiales locales y las limitaciones constructivas. Los cálculos detallados incluyen la determinación de las dimensiones óptimas de los elementos estructurales, como vigas, pilas de apoyo y fundaciones. Adicionalmente, se ha incursionado en la aplicación de reglamentos recientemente aprobados y puestos en vigencia. Se ha utilizado software de modelado estructural para simular el comportamiento del puente bajo diversas condiciones de carga. Este proyecto también ha abarcado una amplia gama de técnicas y enfoques. Desde el estudio de vigas postesadas hasta la implementación de fundaciones profundas, así como la exploración de vigas de gran altura. En resumen, este trabajo de cálculo estructural proporciona una sólida base técnica y de ingeniería como anteproyecto para la construcción del puente, asegurando que cumpla con los requisitos de resistencia necesarios para brindar el acceso que La Caldera necesita. This work focuses on the design and structural calculation of a reinforced conc, Fil: Orosco Segura, Lia Elizabeth. Universidad Católica de Salta. Facultad de Ingeniería; Argentina., Fil: Luchente, Francisco Nicolás. Universidad Católica de Salta. Facultad de Ingeniería; Argentina., Fil: Jimenez Wayar, María. Universidad Católica de Salta. Facultad de Ingeniería; Argentina.

The article addresses the need for a comprehensive approach in learning skills in the field of Civil Engineering, especially in the face of the increasing complexity of contemporary challenges. The importance of going beyond the mere transmission of knowledge is highlighted and a developer learning approach is proposed, which seeks to promote practical skills and key competencies. The article examines pedagogical strategies and methodologies that can be implemented to promote competency-developing learning. Case studies and practical experiences are considered that demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach in training highly competent and adaptive civil engineers. The article advocates for a transformation in Civil Engineering education, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive approach that prepares students to meet current and future challenges in the field. It is argued that this change in educational philosophy can contribute significantly to the development of capable and versatile professionals in Civil Engineering. The academic and professional literature on the topic is reviewed, presenting relevant authors, books, and years in the field. An interview with experts was also carried out. The importance of integrating complexity and transversality in the training of civil engineers is highlighted. The article argues that Competence-Developing Learning in Civil Engineering is an essential and effective approach for the training of civil engineers in a world characterized by complexity and constant evolution, which has a positive impact on the profession and society in general., El artículo aborda la necesidad de un enfoque integral en el aprendizaje de competencias en el campo de la Ingeniería Civil, especialmente ante la creciente complejidad de los desafíos contemporáneos. Se destaca la importancia de ir más allá de la mera transmisión de conocimientos y se propone un enfoque de aprendizaje desarrollador, que busca fomentar habilidades prácticas y competencias clave. El artículo examina estrategias pedagógicas y metodologías que pueden implementarse para promover un aprendizaje desarrollador de competencias. Se consideran casos de estudio y experiencias prácticas que demuestran la efectividad de este enfoque en la formación de ingenieros civiles altamente competentes y adaptativos. El artículo aboga por una transformación en la educación en Ingeniería Civil, destacando la importancia de un enfoque integral que prepare a los estudiantes para enfrentar los desafíos actuales y futuros en el campo. Se argumenta que este cambio en la filosofía educativa puede contribuir significativamente al desarrollo de profesionales capaces y versátiles en la Ingeniería Civil. Se revisa la literatura académica y profesional sobre el tema, presentando autores, libros y años relevantes en el campo. Como también se realizó entrevista a expertos. Se destaca la importancia de integrar la complejidad y la transversalidad en la formación de ingenieros civiles. El artículo argumenta que el Aprendizaje Desarrollador de Competencias en Ingeniería Civil es un enfoque esencial y efectivo para la formación de ingenieros civiles en un mundo caracterizado por la complejidad y la evolución constante, que tiene un impacto positivo en la profesión y la sociedad en general.

The concept of sustainable mobility is related to the fulfilment of certain conditions that consider environmental, economic and social factors when making decisions on transport activity. The recognition of the role of education as a key factor for sustainable development and sustainable mobility has been growing. Therefore, the development of training schemes aimed at sustainable mobility education as a tool for a better future for the generations to come is of fundamental importance. This study analyses the factors affecting the adoption of the ClassCraft platform in activities related to sustainable mobility. The proposed experience involved children aged 10–11 years old, a total of 75 pupils. This experience was the basis for analyzing the pupils' perception of the gamification-based methodology. A mixed method has been used, combining qualitative results from a Focus Group (FG) with 6 students, and quantitative results through a questionnaire based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with all the 75 students. The results reflect that all students consider this methodology as an opportunity for a change in the school experience to make classroom activities more enjoyable. Our research contributes to the application of a mixed methods approach that addresses an educational challenge, considering the voice of the children when applying new teaching–learning strategies., Open Access funding provided thanks to the CRUE-CSIC agreement with Springer Nature. This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, o not-for-profit sectors.

The dataset aims to examine the prior and acquired knowledge in an Escape Room (ER) experience on sustainable mobility. In addition, the data could also be used to identify possible correspondences between some mobility behaviors and the predisposition to learn sustainable mobility concepts to foster attitude change. To meet these objectives, an ER on sustainable mobility was conducted and a questionnaire was given before and after the activity to 173 students from various schools between 5th grade of primary school and 1st year of compulsory secondary school (10–13 years old). The questionnaire was divided into two parts. The first part included social demographics questions (gender, family members, place of residence) and mobility habits (number of cars in the family, bus use, cycling). The second part included questions related to sustainable mobility topics with 14 items. Data was collected between December 2022 and February 2023., This research has been made possible thanks to the Margarita Salas Fellowship funded by the European Union's Next Generation EU funds through the “Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan”. This research has been made possible thanks to fundings of the Spanish Ministry of Economics under grant “SUM+Cloud: COCREACION Y COMPATIBILIZACION DE LA INFORMACION EN LA NUBE-BORDE”.

El objeto de aprendizaje trata de los andamios multidireccionales. Se pretende que el alumno sea capaz de identificar las diferencias entre andamios multidireccionales y de marco vertical, comprender el funcionamiento y ensamblaje de los componentes de los andamios multidireccionales y reconocer las aplicaciones y ventajas de los andamios multidireccionales en construcción. Para ello el contenido que vamos a desarrollar se divide en tres partes. En primer lugar, se describen los andamios multidireccionales, posteriormente se analizan sus ventajas y aplicaciones y, por último, se comparan con otros tipos de andamios y su normativa asociada.

El objeto de aprendizaje trata de las torres de trabajo móviles. Se pretende que los alumnos sean capaces de identificar y diferenciar entre las condiciones de uso apropiadas para torres de trabajo móviles y andamios fijos, comprender las normativas y estándares de seguridad, como la UNE-EN1004-1, para la selección y uso adecuado de torres móviles de acceso y trabajo, y evaluar y aplicar medidas de seguridad pertinentes para prevenir accidentes y riesgos asociados al montaje, desmontaje y uso de torres móviles y andamios. Para ello el contenido se divide en 4 partes: Introducción a las torres de trabajo móviles y su aplicación en la industria de la construcción, características y normativas de las torres móviles de acceso y trabajo, componentes y estructura de las torres móviles de trabajo, incluyendo descripción de elementos clave, consideraciones de seguridad y riesgos asociados al empleo de torres móviles y andamios en la industria

El objeto de aprendizaje trata de los costes en la construcción de encofrados. Se pretende que el alumno sea capaz de identificar los requisitos para minimizar costes en los encofrados, de comprender la distribución de los costes en un encofrado y de implementar estrategias que maximicen la eficiencia en el montaje y desmontaje de los encofrados. Para ello el contenido que se va a desarrollar se divide en tres partes. Tras una introducción al tema de los costes de los encofrados, se procede al análisis de dichos costes y se recomiendan una serie de estrategias para reducir dichos costes.

El contenido del objeto de aprendizaje trata sobre los andamios unidireccionales. Los objetivos son identificar características y diferencias entre andamios de fachada y multidireccionales, comprender la importancia de la homogeneidad de piezas para la seguridad y conocer los componentes esenciales y normativas de seguridad en andamios. Para ello, el contenido se divide en tres partes. Tras una introducción de los andamios de fachada, se procede a describir sus características y componentes principales.

El objeto de aprendizaje trata sobre los encofrados destinados al hormigón autocompactante. Se pretende que el alumno sea capaz de entender el concepto y las características del hormigón autocompactante (HCA), reconocer la importancia del encofrado adecuado para HCA y valorar ventajas del HCA en productividad, durabilidad y calidad. Para ello el contenido se divide en cuatro partes: concepto y propiedades del hormigón autocompactante (HCA); requerimientos del encofrado para el HCA; evolución y técnicas de aplicación actuales y recomendaciones prácticas para el vertido del HCA.

El objeto de aprendizaje trata sobre los productos desencofrantes de desmoldeo. Se pretende que los alumnos sean capaces de comprender la función y características de los desencofrantes en la construcción, conocer los criterios de selección y aplicación adecuada de desencofrantes e identificar los tipos de desmoldantes y sus propiedades en la práctica constructiva. Para ello el contenido se divide en 4 partes. Tras una introducción, se explicarán los criterios de selección y uso del desencofrante, sus características y expectativas, y se terminará con los tipos de desmoldantes y sus métodos de aplicación.

El objeto de aprendizaje trata sobre apeo de fachadas para el vaciado de edificios. Se pretende que el alumno sea capaz de comprender el proceso de estabilización y su importancia en construcción, de analizar las etapas del apeo de fachada y sus consideraciones y de aplicar medidas de seguridad y técnicas de construcción en apeos. Para ello el contenido que se va a desarrollar se divide en cinco partes. En primer lugar, se comentan generalidades en una introducción, posteriormente se describe el estabilizador de fachadas, se analizan los elementos sobre los que actuará el apeo, y por último, se definirán los aspectos básicos del diseño y la ejecución del apeo estabilizador de fachadas.

El objeto de aprendizaje trata del sostenimiento de un muro pantalla. Se pretende que los alumnos sean capaces de identificar tipos de soporte lateral para muros pantalla en construcción, comprender la función y aplicaciones de puntales y codales metálicos y analizar el método ¿top-down¿ y su uso en apuntalamiento de muros pantalla. Para ello el contenido se divide en cinco partes: Introducción, arriostramiento mediante anclajes, arriostramiento mediante puntales o tornapuntas, apoyo mediante codales y procedimiento ¿top-down¿.

The power-generator company of the Austro, ELECAUSTRO S.A. is executing the wind project “Minas de Huascachaca”, located in the parish of San Sebastián de Yúluc, canton Saraguro, Loja province. Several roads in the parish have been planned to improve as compensation to the community for these works. In this context, the present project seeks the "ELABORATION OF ENGINEERING STUDIES FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE ROAD TO THE PARISH HEADQUARTERS OF SAN SEBASTIÁN DE YULUC FROM THE ABCISA 5+500.00 TO THE PARISH HEADQUARTERS OF SAN SEBASTIÁN DE YULUC, LOCATED IN THE SARAGURO CANTON OF THE PROVINCE OF LOJA". Under these engineering studies, it is possible to obtain the Technical Report of the Topographic study, the Technical Report of the Definitive Geometric Design, and the Technical Report of the Pavement Designs. The road section under study has a length of 3,571.00 m. For the geometric design, it has been tried to adjust as much as possible to the existing infrastructure through spiral curves, generating a minimum of cut and fill. Two alternatives have been proposed for the structure of the pavement. The first contemplates a sub-base layer thickness of 25.00 cm, a base layer thickness of 12.00 cm and a 2.00-inch asphalt concrete wearing course. The second alternative comprises a 30.00 cm sub-base layer, a 17.00 cm cement-stabilized base layer, and a Double Bituminous Surface Treatment wearing course.

This thesis implements a Road Infrastructure Management System with sustainability parameters for the canton of Santa Isabel, Azuay, Ecuador using the MATLAB Online programming platform. This platform enables automated data processing by calculating the ICF and implementing a decision-making tool to obtain hierarchical results regarding the condition of asphalt and cobblestone pavement. Future plans involve utilizing Markov transition matrices to estimate the condition of the pavement network, suggest types of treatment, prioritize interventions, and evaluate costs for each pavement area. This aims to improve the functionality of the Santa Isabel Road network. The management methodology used is Windshield Survey, which is applied at the network level. This allows for the calculation of the ICF (Functional Condition Index) as an indicator of the infrastructure's condition. As a result of the program, the combined alternative 1 improved the future condition and cost approximately $11 million for asphalt pavement and $1 million for cobblestone pavement. Furthermore, in the context of sustainability, the Invest and PaLate programs revealed a lack of adequate planning to minimize resource consumption and its environmental impact. Finally, it is important to highlight that this innovative program provides pavement management entities with a variety of useful tools to effectively oversee pavements and offer dependable support in maintaining their network within the allocated budget for such projects.

The high sensitivity of geotechnical test results to field-collected parameters underscores the need to focus efforts on exploring methods that allow for the correlation of geotechnical parameters based on more accessible sources of information, both from an economic and technical standpoint. This study examines two methods of collecting geotechnical information to establish an initial correlation between parameters obtained through the Dynamic Super Heavy Penetration Test (DPSH) and the Menard Pressuremeter Test (PMT). These methods were applied to five terrains consisting of fine soils in the Challuabamba sector, along with information from the OCP project conducted in the province of Sucumbíos. The collected information was processed using the SUCS method. The intervened terrains were classified as fine, predominantly inorganic silts, with 8 records falling under this classification, in addition to 3 records of clayey soils. The T-Paired test statistical method was employed to verify the equality between the two treatments. Finally, a linear fit was proposed between the results of the bearing capacity of the two mentioned tests. The study found that a combined correlation model of silts and clays does not have a satisfactory fit. However, by limiting the analysis information to silty soils, the fit aligns satisfactorily with the expected results, presenting a Pearson coefficient of 0.95. This leads to the conclusion that an important criterion to consider in the search for correlations in this context is the correct SUCS classification of soils

In this study, we hydraulically assessed the current design of the Drinking Water Distribution Network in the Aurelio Bayas parish, located in Azogues, with the aim of projecting its operation over the next 25 years. The Junta Administradora de Agua Potable Regional Bayas (JAAPRB) provided essential user data, including username, identification number, sector, average consumption, and year of incorporation. Using this information, we categorized users by sector and year of incorporation, allowing an estimation of the population for the next 25 years, and conducted an estimation of the necessary allocation for the future population. Subsequently, with information about users connected to the network, we incorporated future properties that will have access to the water service, considering aspects of urbanization and topography. With this, we assigned new demands to the current and assumed nodes. Through the simulation of the current network in EPANET, issues with pressures and velocities outside the allowed range were identified. Two proposed solutions involved adjustments to pipe diameters, the implementation of closed circuits with new pipes and pressure and flow control valves. Additionally, a pumping system was implemented in the second option. The first solution achieved compliance with standards for 95% of nodes and 86% of pipes. The second option allowed 97% of nodes and 86% of pipes to maintain pressures and velocities within established limits

The present project focused on the analysis and design of concrete used for prefabricated elements with the implementation of water-reducing additives. The case study arose from the need to define an optimal dosage since the company currently does not have one, as their mix designs are empirical. The aggregates used in the mix designs were properly characterized and met the requirements set forth in ASTM C33. A concrete mix was designed with a stress of 300 kg/cm2 according to ACI 211.1. The water-to-cement ratio was kept constant in each design, and additives with different ranges of water reduction were implemented, ranging from medium, high, to superplasticizer. The additives selected were Plastocrete 161 HE, Sikament HE200, and ViscoCrete 4100, respectively, all from the brand Sika. Once the results of each proposed design were obtained, the properties in the fresh and hardened states were analyzed, as well as the cost per m3 of each mix. It was concluded that from an economic and strength perspective, the best alternative was the design that contained the ViscoCrete 4100 additive in its composition, as the price of the concrete per m3 was only $49.59 and its early-age strength was superior, reaching 225 kg/cm2 , which represents 75% of the required strength. After 28 days, it exceeded the required strength, reaching 402 kg/cm2

Santa Isabel, a small city in Ecuador, faces challenges in urban mobility due to the increase in traffic and noise within the city. This is why GAD Municipal, despite its scarce resources, is willing to improve through a mobility plan that consists of several degree projects of students from the University of Cuenca where together they aim to improve traffic conditions and city mobility. Despite not being a large city, it has a tendency to use motorized vehicles. This is because new modes of sustainable transportation are not promoted within the city. This is where the use of the bicycle presents itself as an alternative, since in several cities in Ecuador, it has gained more users and recognition. In this Project, an analysis was carried out on the disposition of the population of Santa Isabel with the intention of implementing a public electric bicycle system. Through surveys to better understand the behavior of the population in order to develop the sizing of a public electric bicycle system, in addition to proposing connection routes between stations as a cycle route that connects them. The study considered that the population is receptive to a new transportation alternative, so that the public electric bicycle system would improve mobility if it has the support of the authorities to implement it.

The design of flexible pavements involves processes such as: traffic analysis, material and soil studies, followed by a design methodology for the structure and its behavior (stresses & deformations) under loads and environmental conditions. These processes are complex to perform manually due to the time involved, the designer’s susceptibility to errors, and the currently available programs have complex and costly interfaces that are difficult to use and comprehend. This work focuses on developing and validating a software that operates with parameters representative of site conditions for road construction, in order to establish a design alternative. The program PRO-PAVE com- prises a graphical user interface (GUI) developed in Python consisting of four modules: ”Traffic”, ”Materials”, ”Flexible Pavement Design (AASHTO)” and ”Structural Analysis”. Additionally, it is verified that the program provides adequate results through a simula- tion with data from a road study conducted by the Provincial Government of Loja, Ecuador. Furthermore, the results of the structural analysis of the designed pavement are compared with those obtained from a simulation in the KENPAVE software (Univer- sity of Kentucky). After running the program, it’s compatibility with the procedures of Public Institutions in road projects was confirmed, with results varying up to a maximum of 5% compared to the road study, depending on the consideration of para- meters. Based on the above, the program becomes an effective tool for the design and distress analysis of flexible pavements.

Groundwater movement is determined by hydrogeological factors, therefore, by logging controlled conditions, such as pumping and recharge operations of an exploratory well, it is possible to estimate the characteristic parameters of the aquifer under study; for this particular case, it is studied the characteristics of the area of greatest hydrogeological interest in the Piedemonte Andino Environmental Unit, specifically in the Alluvial Deposits formation, located in Miranda Girón II, Taura parish, Naranjal canton, Guayas province. Geological and geophysical aspects were investigated in the study área, determining the ideal point for the drilling of an exploratory well called MCH-01; from the pumping and recharge tests carried out in the aforementioned well, as well as in an observation well or piezometers called RM-01 and RM-02, located 87.75 and 57.36 meters away from the MCH-01 well, respectively; the parameters for the hydrogeological characterization of the aquifer are determined, as the transmissivity [T ( m2 day)] and storage coefficient [S (dimensionless)]. According to the studies and tests performed, the presence of an aquifer of medium and high productivity is concluded according to the transmissivity values, and semi-confined type by the values of the storage coefficient, achieving a production flow of up to 50 (l/s).

Decentralized systems represent a sustainable, flexible and profitable alternative for wastewater management in small peri-urban and rural communities. Among these, French vertical flow constructed wetlands (FVFCWs) constitute a decentralized treatment option based on natural processes and low operating cost. The primary function of a wetland is the removal of BOD, but there are different configurations that enhance the removal of nitrogen, where the capacity to remove organic matter could be affected. In the present work, the robustness of French-type constructed wetlands to remove organic matter is studied under operational configurations that promote nutrient removal. For 4 months, pilot units were monitored with hydraulic and organic loads of up to 2 times those recommended in the design guides in two units (one unsaturated and the other semisaturated). The results show removals between 83% and 87% of the BOD in the two units under the different loads studied. These findings highlight the great robustness of this technology for BOD removal despite large variations in hydraulic and organic loads in the influent and the semi-saturated conditions of the filter medium. It is highlighted that it is possible to use the semi-saturated configuration in French-type wetlands without affecting their primary function of organic matter removal, which opens the possibility of generating anoxic zones in the wetlands that promote the removal of total Nitrogen.

Extreme rainfall events in the tropical Andes have been the cause of economic and social disturbances throughout the years. Furthermore, climate change increases the frequency of these kinds of events. A few spatiotemporal studies have been performed on the behaviour of extreme rainfall events, but never went into depth about their hydrometeors' microphysics. Even the definition of what can be considered an extreme rainfall event has yet to be concisely defined. Thus, we have aimed to analyse, observe and compare how the drops of extreme and non- extreme events differentiate. This was done using data from three different sites in the tropical Andes where hydrometeor data and drop size distribution (DSD) were acquired using laser disdrometers. The results show that the percentage of rainfall events that are extreme is similar across the tropical Andes (≈8%) and that if an event has an accumulation higher than 15 mm or lasts more than 3 hours, it’s likely an extreme event. Additionally, it was observed that the DSD of all extreme events shows that drops for all diameters during these events are bigger than during non-extreme rainfall events.

Cold expansion technology is an extended method used in aeronautics to increase fatigue life of holes and hence extending inspection intervals. During the cold expansion process, a mechanical mandrel is forced to pass along the hole generating compressive residual hoop stresses. The most widely accepted geometry for this mandrel is the tapered one and simpler options like balls have generally been rejected based on the non-conforming residual hoop stresses derived from their use. In this investigation a novelty process using multiple balls with incremental interference, instead of a single one, was simulated. Experimental tests were performed to validate the finite element method (FEM) models and residual hoop stresses from multiple balls simulation were compared with one ball and tapered mandrel simulations. Results showed that the use of three incremental balls significantly reduced the magnitude of non-conforming residual hoop stresses and the extension of these detrimental zone.