Mass movements identification in urban expansion areas: poços de caldas case study, minas gerais, Brazil
Mass movements identification in urban expansion areas: poços de caldas case study, minas gerais, Brazil

Summary/Abstract: Natural disasters in the last few decades have killed several million people besides having caused financial losses and social impacts. Also, the accelerated urbanization process in recent decades worldwide has led to the cities growth, often in inappropriate areas for occupation, increasing danger and risk situations related to natural disasters. Our work identified mass movements in an urban expansion area in the Poços de Caldas municipality and evaluated the characteristics of different physical environment units and their interaction with this type of building work. Three areas with potential risks to mass movements were identified: the area that includes points P1, P2, P3 and P4, which is dangerous for the construction of residences, automobiles and passers-by; other that includes points P5, P6 and P7, in which much of its area should be of permanent preservation and could not be occupied; and the area that includes Point P8 (constructed landfill), which presents heterogeneous materials, a slope and a large number of voids in the soil that can lead to the lost of load and lift capacity, therefore to serious accidents. For the three areas, it is recommended to conduct in-depth studies that include mass movements risk areas survey and the formulation of guidelines for measures and restrain works, in order to prevent instability processes aimed at future safe engineering works. Thus, it is suggested that the municipality review the Master Plan and its areas of urban expansion, allowing the implementation of preventive measures, which reduces the possibility of potential economic losses and human lives. In addition, it is suggested the creation of a monitoring plan to coexist with situations of mass movements risk, at relatively safe levels for the population that will occupy

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