Geotechnical and geoenvironmental characterization of the São Pedro stream basin - Uberlândia/MG: a contribution to urban drainage planning

Abstract

This article presents the results of a research aimed at geotechnically and geoenvironmentally characterizing the São Pedro stream basin, located in Uberlândia/MG - Brazil, from the physical environment’s attributes and properties, with a view to using land as a means of rainfall infiltration. The used methodology focuses on analytical mapping and generating cartographic documents that are individually elaborated and analyzed. Besides that, the characterization of unconsolidated materials (in situ and in laboratory) and coefficient of permeability (k) tests (in situ with a Guelph permeameter) were performed. With this data at hands, a quali-quantitative analysis of the physical environment’s features was made through the study of its attributes and their representation in maps. Variables related to infiltration and runoff processes were privileged. For the area of the São Pedro stream basin, values of k varying between 10^-4 and 10^-5 cm/s were found. The adequacy-to-infiltration map showed the areas next to the streams and in the stream’s mouth as non-adequate or slightly-adequate. On the other hand, the areas close to the drainage divides of the basin showed to be highly-adequate. The center of the basin and the region between the Jataí and the Lagoinha streams are also highly-adequate to infiltration. These areas with higher adequacy are appropriate to the implementation of structural and non-structural measures that seek to reduce flood risks. Thus, we hope to contribute to urban planning in this study area through these geoenvironmental maps.