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Submitted August 28, 2025
Published 2026-04-30

Artículos

Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026): Revista Semilla del Este

“Proposal for weighing resilient alternatives to landslides, reinforced concrete walls vs. gabion walls, case of 2019 Arraiján”


DOI https://doi.org/10.48204/semillaeste.v6n2.8025

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References
DOI: 10.48204/semillaeste.v6n2.8025

Published: 2026-04-30

How to Cite

Salazar Moreno, I. A. (2026). “Proposal for weighing resilient alternatives to landslides, reinforced concrete walls vs. gabion walls, case of 2019 Arraiján”. Revista Semilla Del Este, 6(2), 39–51. https://doi.org/10.48204/semillaeste.v6n2.8025

Abstract

The irregular shape of Panama's topography in some parts of the country, the presence of residual soils, and frequent heavy rains are factors that exacerbate the challenge of stabilizing land masses, as they increase the likelihood of landslides and damage to infrastructure, such as homes, during the winter season. The purpose of this text is to comparatively examine the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of gabion walls and reinforced concrete walls as options for stabilizing land. The methodology employed a mixed approach that combines the analysis of documents, such as these, technical manuals, and scientific literature, with a proposed weighting matrix implemented in a case study on the Arraiján sector. The findings indicate that gabion walls have benefits in terms of environmental integration and natural drainage, but concrete walls are distinguished by their superior structural durability under adverse conditions. It is established that the most appropriate selection is based on a balance between technical performance, material availability, implementation costs, and environmental sustainability. This provides a matrix of decision criteria that can be used in future projects related to road and urban infrastructure in the country.