With the goal of strengthening the technical and applied training of future civil engineers, the Faculty of Geosciences Engineering (FICT) at ESPOL held the keynote lecture 'Road Drainage and Resilience in Pavement Design,' aimed at students in the Pavement Design course of the Civil Engineering program.
The activity took place on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, as part of the academic actions focused on bridging university theory with professional practice.
The lecture featured Eng. Alberto Jarrín, a guest hydraulic specialist, who shared his experience in the analysis and design of resilient road infrastructure, providing technical criteria applied to the Ecuadorian context and current challenges associated with climate change.
Technical Analysis Applied to Road Infrastructure
During the session, key aspects regarding the behavior of surface and subsurface runoff were addressed, along with the importance of surface, longitudinal, and transverse drainage for the structural performance of the pavement.
These topics allowed students to understand how proper drainage management directly impacts the durability, functionality, and safety of roads. Furthermore, resilience criteria were analyzed in the face of heavy rainfall, flooding, and extreme weather events, highlighting the relationship between road drainage, road safety, and infrastructure sustainability.
Integration Between Theory and Professional Practice
The activity’s purpose was to promote an applied learning approach, strengthening the connection between the academic content of the course and the reality of professional practice. Through the analysis of real-world cases and experiences, students reinforced their technical competencies and critical thinking, focusing on the design of resilient and sustainable solutions for the country's road infrastructure.
