1. Infrastructure for protection, administration, public use and equipment.
1.1. Importance of infrastructure and equipment for management and administration
In the planning for the development of infrastructure construction, whatever it may be, external factors or agents must be taken into account that determine what type of infrastructure should be built.
Its design must go according to the objectives pursued. Therefore, when planning, the following premises should be taken into account:
- The fact of building infrastructures within the protected area will not cause more impact than what we should actually protect and promote. The development of infrastructure is in accordance with the objectives it pursues with respect to protection or public use and mainly to the objectives of the protected area.
Based on these two premises it can be determined that it is important to first describe factors that determine the construction of infrastructure, both administrative protection and public use.
1.2. Infrastructure and equipment development variables
The main factor for the development of infrastructure for protection and public use is the human being himself.
This has created a serious pressure on natural ecosystems decimating them, so it must be well established that all causes of negative impact on natural areas are consequences of an anthropic nature, from a general point of view, therefore we must protect them from the Human being himself, who has created tools that help him to provide himself with these resources or enable areas that can develop productive systems. Therefore these pressures will never end until we can learn to use our natural areas in a sustainable way.
To determine in a timely manner the factors that can affect protected areas we must see what causes cause this pressure, the most unprecedented being the following:
1) Forest fires through the authorization of areas for agricultural use (agricultural and pasture burning).
2) Hunting, both sports and means of providing food.
3) Irrational exploitation of natural resources as raw material for the forest industry, medicine, food, ornamental, excessive tourism, etc.
4) Illegal trafficking of flora and fauna species, not only living, but also parts of these as an ornamental ornament, or used for medicinal or aphrodisiac aspects.
However, we must study the other three thoroughly, and thereby support our criteria to define what type of infrastructure we must create to combat them, as well as what types of preventive strategies we must carry out in order to make changes in attitudes that go to the benefit of natural areas. At the same time, the training required by the personnel and the equipment they must use, thereby seeking the protection and safety of themselves.
1.3. Guidelines for the development of infrastructure and equipment
For the development of infrastructure for public use within the study area, certain guidelines must be followed that can regulate the impact they cause on protected areas, these criteria must not only be applied to the protected areas of the project, but also to all the other protected areas of the Dominican Republic since it is also a signatory of the agreements ratified by IUCN in the creation of protected areas and the development of infrastructure for protection, public and administrative use and equipment in general. Being these:
A. Criteria for site design
1) The site designs for the projects to be developed within the area have been prepared by a professional in the field (engineer or architect, landscaper, with extensive experience in protected wild areas or similar), who worked in coordination and close relationship with the administrative staff, respective program as well as representatives of other sectors involved (tourism, marketing, etc).
2) Proposals for public use development that require the construction of building works (buildings) or infrastructure, have a DS, and an Environmental Impact Study (EIA), and respond to the PA management plan
A.1 Contents of the Location or Design Plans:
1) A location map of the site or sites in relation to the total area of the protected area and their respective zoning.
2) A general scheme, plan or sketch of the spatial distribution of the project to be developed including infrastructure (accesses, pipes, etc.) and buildings.
3) Designs or general sketches of buildings detailing their dimensions and spatial divisions.
4) Cuts of the facades and sides of the buildings.
5) General designs of water circulation and distribution flows, electrical services, others.
A.2. Basic Considerations:
1) The recognition and analysis of the context within which the site is framed and not only the characteristics of the site itself.
2) The treatment of the landscape of the site and its environment as an integrated and interrelated whole, joining it in the most natural way possible, without proposing constructions other than by their structure, materials, decorations (such as colors, textures, etc.), etc.. "Collide" or "compete" with the landscape.
3) Ensuring that the physical design takes advantage of and exploits every opportunity that may exist to "put" the visitor in direct contact with the environment.
4) Making sure that conservation of the environment is evident in every aspect of development wherever possible.
5) The use of altered areas for the development of buildings, instead of locating them in virgin areas or in frank recovery
6) Site selection and designs should respect the movement patterns and habitats of wildlife.
7) Promoting the conservation and / or restoration of natural biodiversity, for example, by respecting areas with significant vegetation cover or native trees on the site; using native species or more suitable for the design of gardens, hedges, room divisions, etc.; avoiding as much as possible that the structures and facilities fragment the existing ecosystems; etc.
8) Buildings should be sufficiently spaced to allow natural growth of vegetation and movement of fauna.
9) The measures and actions to promote the recovery and / or restoration of the disturbed areas should be promoted.
10) Links ("means of communication") should be promoted between the project, the surrounding landscape (natural environment) and surrounding communities. For example, promoting the maintenance or establishment of biological corridors, beautification of public areas in the community, etc.
11) The maintenance, conservation and / or restoration of the ecological systems and functions of the area.
12) The maintenance of vegetation areas adjacent to continuous or intermittent lagoons, rivers and streams as filter elements to minimize sediment and waste runoff.
13) The environments and buildings of historical or cultural interest must be identified, preserved, protected, restored and / or reused.
14) The SD must be framed within socially and environmentally responsible criteria.
15) The design must contribute to the revaluation and interpretation of the cultural and natural heritage of the area and the region.
16) The negative human impact on the natural and cultural heritage must be minimized and / or mitigated.
17) The positive incorporation of the visitor requires an adequate environment, as well as greater respect and understanding of the heritage that the area and its surroundings protect.
18) Design and build an adequate network of trails with the respective signage (both with ecological information and behavioral recommendations).
19) Lookouts and wildlife observation towers (“hideaway” type, that is, camouflaged) must be properly identified, designed and built.
20) As far as possible, small buildings that “blend in” with the landscape should be encouraged.
21) The use and appreciation of indigenous practices, techniques, materials, designs and customs should be encouraged.
22) Erosion for all buildings and walkways must be controlled.
23) Sources of unpleasant sounds or odors should be avoided near tourist facilities.
24) All types of water must be handled properly. Avoid drainage of gray and sewage waters in areas neighboring rivers, lagoons, seas or in areas of high tourist level.
25) The architectural and overall design must take into account seasonal variations (rains, solar angle, etc.) and the existence or eventuality of natural risks (landslides, dangerous plants or animals, floods, etc.).
26) The construction of tall buildings for accommodation should be avoided (maximum two levels) and always seek an overall design that has organic forms (in harmony with the environment), and that fit the topography of the land.
27) The availability of an efficient communication system (telephones, radio communicators, etc.) should be evaluated.
28) An evacuation system should be planned in case of emergency For the selection of the site the DS should be considered:
29) An analysis of the biophysical and sociocultural characteristics of the potential sites and their surroundings (including topography, unique attributes or characteristics, environmental and zoning considerations, etc.), as well as the interrelationships between them.
30) The capacity to manage visitors in the sites proposed for development.
31) An analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed location.
32) An analysis of current and future developments, for example, proximity to areas of energy supply, drinking water, communication facilities, supplies, emergency services, etc.
33) The determination and analysis of the impacts (social, cultural and economic) of the proposal in the mediate environment and its surroundings (from the construction phase to the operation phase).
A.3. Aspects of access to the site
1) An analysis and quantification of the possibilities, qualities and needs of access to the area in general, to the project site in particular and to the development sites of specific activities such as camping areas, accommodation, administrative areas, viewpoints, observation posts of birds, etc.
2) Ways of access to attractions through low-impact means (for example, footpaths).
3) The use of means of transport as less polluting as possible in terms of air pollution, water, noise and visual pollution.
4) The design of the land access roads must adapt to the topographic and soil conditions, that is, a curvilinear design must be adopted where the topography requires it and filling materials and bearing materials must be used where the type of soil requires it. required (for example use ballast on clay soils).
5) Do not follow the banks of rivers for long distances but only approach them at some attractive points.
6) In mountainous terrain, do not trace the path over the ridge but try to follow the less steep contour lines.
7) Alternative access routes to be used in case of emergencies must be provided.
8) At all costs, the existence of shared accesses for highly conflicting uses should be avoided, for example, the movement of people and horses on the same narrow path.
9) It is preferable to serve a group of buildings through a one-way circular route with a parking area at one end, than to have a two-way route that blocks the central activity area.
10) The design of trails and roads should minimize the crossings of rivers and streams.
11) In sites with problems of ground instability and risks of landslides, corrective and preventive measures should be taken, such as avoiding very pronounced ground cuts (at angles of almost 90 °); build slopes or gabions; establish water channeling mechanisms; etc.
12) On the roadsides, the vegetation cover must be preserved and / or restored.
13) Preferably recycled or waste materials should be used for the construction of tread surfaces or trails (recycled, scrap tires, steps or slats made from recycled plastics, etc.
14) The construction of surfaces must use materials with colors and textures similar to those of the environment.
15) It is suggested to impose zones with different speed limits for motorized vehicles on the different roads and highways that may cross a protected area, for which in each case a detailed road study will be required, in coordination with the competent authorities.
16) If equestrian trails are required, they must be wide enough for two horses (minimum three meters). The height that must be left free (clearing the lower branches of the trees) is 4.50 meters.
17) If bicycle tracks are required, they must have a width of 2.00 meters.
18) In hot climates, when the area provides vehicular transportation, it should have light colors that reflect the sun and tinted windows to minimize the use of air conditioning, which reduces fuel consumption and consequently pollution.
19) Vehicles in the area must be the object of adequate maintenance to reduce the emission of pollutants and optimize the use of fuels. Likewise, they must comply with the quality standards that the legislation stipulates (use of catalytic converters, unleaded fuels, etc.)
20) Facilities for air transportation should be located and designed to ensure the safety of visitors and local residents and should seek to minimize visual impact and noise and air pollution.
21) Navigation channels should not be built or projected on fragile marine environments such as coral reefs, but should be sought anchoring, navigation or construction of works in nearby sites but far enough away to minimize environmental impact. Failing that, only the use of low-impact navigation means such as canoes, kayak, rubber boats, etc. should be approved.
22) The facilities for aquatic activities such as piers and piers must be designed in such a way that they do not disturb or obstruct the normal currents or the natural movement of sand or sediments.
B. Criteria for architectural design within protected areas:
1) The DA of the works to be built is in charge of professionals in the field (engineers and architects).
2) Program staff and area administrators actively participated in defining the DA for construction works.
3) For the elaboration of the DA of the works destined for public use, the needs of the visitors (the different market segments) have been taken into account.
4) The management capacities and limitations of the management category and the particular area have been taken into consideration.
5) The DA has the permits, surveys and legal, market, feasibility, EIA, etc. studies. That are required.
6) Designers are aware that keeping the natural ecosystem as undisturbed as possible takes precedence over achieving dramatic or impressive architectural expressions.
7) The design is consistent with the objectives and philosophy of the area and meets the specific use objectives for which it was created, without falling into design contradictions or uncertainties.
8) The DA uses solutions that require appropriate technologies for the environment and environmental conditions, as well as consumption criteria that are related to the site's policy and the surrounding reality.
9) The planning of the development of the proposal in phases, that allow to evaluate and rectify possible errors or problems in time.
10) Monitoring systems are proposed for each phase and design solutions are re-evaluated between phase and phase.
11) The buildings are located and designed taking into consideration environmental factors, such as the directionality and intensity of the winds and rains at different times of the year; the maximum use of sunlight; etc.
12) The architectural designs used harmonize with the environment, considering long-term environmental criteria and avoiding the superfluous and excessive comforts and luxuries.
13) Local construction techniques and forms are used and indigenous cultural images, crafts and local names are used.
14) Opportunities for the visitor to become aware of, experience and / or understand the resources used in architectural and site design are exploited and enhanced.
15) The DA is adjusted to the evaluation parameters used by the classification or categorization systems of “green” or environmentally responsible hotels
16) Special use is made of local materials and labor (including local artists and craftsmen).
17) Quiet and private areas are included in which the visitor can rest and reflect in a natural environment.
18) Provisions are made for future expansions, in order to minimize demolition and future waste.
19) Technologies and mechanisms must be adopted to guarantee a rational use of water and energy resources.
20) In special places, possible technical requirements such as anti-seismic measures, anticyclones, etc. are taken into consideration.
21) The control of insects, reptiles, rodents, etc., is contemplated in the design and use of particular materials.
22) Where possible they provide opportunities for disabled visitors (wheelchair walkers, ramps instead of stairs, specially designed restrooms, wide accesses, etc.).
23) The design of the ecotourism complex includes an interpretation center for visitors, albeit small and modest, but attractive and educational, which could include models, diagrams, exhibition of photos of wild fauna and flora, bibliography of interest, samples of crafts, etc.
24) DA includes special use areas such as boot cleaning, outdoor showers, areas for hanging raincoats or storing camping gear, etc.
25) The proposed AD must be viable and sustainable from the economic and technological point of view and socially adoptable.
26) It must be based on long-term environmental considerations and not on strictly short-term economic or financial considerations.
B.1 Regulations for the construction stage
1) The selection of contractors for the construction phase should consider their previous experience of construction in fragile sites and their ability to organize and build in rural and / or remote areas.
2) Construction works such as earthworks, waste disposal, etc. must be properly planned and managed, etc. For example, final access roads should be laid out first and construction materials and waste transported through them instead of temporary roads or trails.
3) Excavations for foundations should, as far as possible, be done by hand, avoiding the use of heavy machinery.
4) Construction specifications should reflect conservation and environmental concerns with regard to timber products and other construction materials, for example, use wood from forest plantations, eliminate the use of construction materials that contain harmful chemicals.
5) Those construction or decoration materials that are native to the area that are also renewable and environmentally sensitive should be highlighted.
6) All construction waste should be removed from the site once the works are completed and its final disposal should impact the environment as little as possible.
7) The soil and other materials extracted to place the foundations must be redistributed in the vicinity of the construction.
8) As far as possible, self-construction techniques and designs should be used to reduce time and complexity. The construction phase may cause some of the following negative impacts, which must be minimized as much as possible:
a) Sonic pollution
b) Deterioration of air quality
c) Pollution from the use of vehicles, equipment and machinery.
d) Oil, paint or other chemical spills.
e) Increased erosion.
f) Increased sedimentation and / or soil compaction.
g) Soil removal.
h) Alteration of water courses.
i) Alteration of the quality or quantity of surface and / or underground water sources.
j) Alteration and / or destruction of vegetation.
k) Alteration, fragmentation and / or destruction of habitats.
l) Creation of barriers to the movement of wildlife.
m) Introduction of exotic and / or invasive species.
n) Alteration of the life cycles of wild species.
o) Alteration of nutrient flows and / or chains.
p) Introduction of strange foods or habitats into the environment.
1.4. Terms of reference for the implementation of infrastructure in protected areas
A. Protective infrastructure
A.1. Forest fire detection towers
1) They are metal or wooden structures, usually 04 to 30 meters high, on which a hut has been built, where an observer remains or lives throughout the fire season.
2) Each observation tower must have: Accommodation for the keeper; necessary equipment so that this keeper can monitor the land, locate the fire and communicate its existence to the Operations Center. For this reason, it is essential that each tower has: Binoculars and / or Telescopes, Surveyor's Compass, Cartographic Sheets, Maps and Communication Equipment (Radio Transmitter).
3) The location of each of these units must be well chosen taking into account safety, comfort, some means of access and mainly high visibility. For this reason, points of height are chosen avoiding the presence of too many "blind spots" or non-visible areas that are located behind hills or other natural accidents.
4) The system to be used by the lighthouse keeper must be through triangulation of the fumes or by radiation with strategic points.
5) Its structure must be of the best quality of galvanized iron tube of at least 2 inches, angle iron preferably with a higher grade of steel or iron with a waterfront structure, the shape of the tower can be quadrangular (2 x 2 meters) with their respective tensors or truncated pyramidal (which is the most common).
With respective ladder and its due pieces depending on the height of these. The ladder can be ¾-inch galvanized iron pipe, angle iron or wood with guardrail, resting platform.
6) The characteristics of the booth can be: The height must be a maximum of 2.45 meters with a corrugated iron or wooden floor with a minimum size of 3 x 3 meters, the roof must be of 4 x 26 gauge galvanized sheet 4 meters or asphalt shingles; with perimeter railing 1.2 meters high. The walls can be used with metal or well treated wood with metal lift windows, secondary sliding glass windows and a railing access door can also be used.
7) The foundation in the detection towers must be a 2.5 x 2.5 x 0.50 meter reinforced concrete base, as a minimum.
A.2. Control and surveillance garritas:
1) In the development of administrative protection infrastructure, one cannot fail to combine the development of structures that can delimit free access to the protected area since it would have a negative effect on natural ecological processes, since it has been mentioned in this text, the mere presence of the human being causes an impact on natural areas, mainly if the human being seeks to satisfy the needs of raw material provided by natural resources, since even hunting is not only a sport but also a lucrative and profitable way of economic development for certain groups of people.
2) Therefore, it must be taken into account that in the development of protection infrastructure it must be located in the areas of highest risk to humans, these being the perimeter areas of natural areas and that are located adjacent to peri-urban areas or private plots, around national parks or protected areas.
3) In turn, the construction of checkpoints in the perimeter zones favors monitoring in the contour of the protected area, which is the most susceptible to pressure on the area.
4) The construction of checkpoints inside the protected areas is negative. Likewise, its equipment is very important since it is not enough with only the construction if it requires accessories that allow it to be functional, so it is necessary to include the minimum for equipment, with the fact that it can also be a room for the park rangers who carry out the monitoring.
5) The minimum number of people that must live in the sentry boxes is 3 park rangers since two carry out the monitoring of the perimeter and one who is on the ground floor in the same sentry box in order to be able to carry out relays.
6) The control booths must have a minimum construction of 5 meters by 5 meters (25m²); with three environments (a bedroom, work area and kitchen). The bathroom can be built at a certain distance due to the septic tank that must be made. Any structure that must be built for residential use must take into account the following technical specifications:
A.2.1. Foundations
A.2.1.1. Earth movements
It is the set of operations necessary for the excavation, filling, leveling, transport, of the loan banks and disposal of the excess material in the waste banks, as well as the exploitation, transport1 disposition, spacing, compaction and leveling of the fill material, as indicated by the project in the conformation of slopes, platforms, etc.
A.2.1.1.1. Classification of soil as a material
1) Soil: any unconsolidated material composed of solid particles, with gases or liquids included.
2) Rocky materials: hardened materials, which to excavate it is necessary to use drills, wedges, explosives, and other brute force procedures.
3) Common Material: Material that is not rock and can be excavated by hand, by mechanized means, without the use of explosives. This material includes all types of soil, clay, sand waste, alluvial deposits to slag, waste and ash from city landfills that can be removed by hand, with a mechanical shovel or a tow rope.
4) Appropriate material: it is the material that meets the optimal conditions for its use, it is free of organic matter and other elements that influence its physical-mechanical behavior.
5) Unsuitable material: it is not suitable to be used on site and its components are not those specified to support a work.
A.2.1.1.2. Excavations
Set of operations necessary to extract, and if necessary, previously remove part of a land.
A.2.1.1.2.1. Excavation cut.
1) In the event that over-excavations occur outside the project lines, it will be the responsibility of the contractor, who will make the pertinent corrections to his account and position.
2) When carrying out the excavation, the Contractor shall take the appropriate measures in order to avoid damage to the work or neighboring properties due to the landslide or overflow of the excavated land.
A.2.1.1.3. Fill or fill
Operations necessary to build on the ground, borders, fillings or dirt that will serve as a seat or casting ground for a construction according to what is indicated in the plans and special specifications of the project.
1) The materials produced from the same excavations can be used for the formation of the fill, as long as they comply with what is specified in this regard.
2) Prior to its construction, the land must be free of trunks, branches, etc., and in general, of all plant matter.
3) The material to be used in the formation of the terrain, must be approved by the Supervisor, after analyzing and evaluating it.
4) The material to be used in the construction of the embankment will be placed in substantially horizontal layers, of uniform thickness, not less than 10, nor greater than 20 centimeters.
5) The humidity of the material must be the "Optimum Humidity" that allows reaching its Maximum Density for the degree of compaction specified in the project.
6) The filling work must be done with suitable equipment.
A.2.1.1.4. Foundation excavations
1) They should not exceed the foundation heights indicated in the plans except in cases of encountering unsuitable soil layers, which must be replaced, with the approval of the Supervisor.
2) A soil support value must be stipulated.
3) The walls of an excavation may be used as cast iron forms, as long as the soil material allows it. In this case, the excavation must be vertical and plumb.
4) The cracks that the foundation soil may present will be filled with concrete, mortar, or cement grout. For excavations in the presence of water, it must be evacuated and the areas will be kept dry.
5) The foundation filling will be carried out until the casting has been inspected and the concrete curing process is completed and has the necessary resistance to withstand pressures. This filling will be made with the same excavated material as long as it is of good quality, in layers no larger than 10 cm. Until adequate compaction is obtained.
A.2.1.2. Foundation
Set of structural elements whose function is to transmit the loads of the superstructure of a building to the ground. No foundation can be built on soils that are not recommended, such as those with a large amount of organic material.
A.2.1.2.1. Shallow foundations
They cannot be built on topsoil, loose fill, muddy surfaces, or waste materials1 these must be removed in their entirety. Depending on the function, it must be done at a minimum depth of 0.60 meters. Below the surrounding level. If adequate soil is not found at this depth, it must be cemented until a stratum is found that does not present adequate conditions. The materials used WILL NOT BE EXTRACTED FROM THE AREA, but from outside.
A.2.1.2.2. Stone foundations
1) They will be built with the dimensions and materials specified in the drawings. If there is no special specification regarding materials, they can be made with quarry stone, flagstone, etc., avoiding the use of ball stone. They must be selected and placed in such a way that the transmission of their loads is normal to their faces, thus avoiding indicated planes that cause possible displacements.
2) In the manufacture of this type weathered, without bursting (cement-lime-sand), ensuring accommodation of the stone.
3) Of foundation, stones will be used and with a minimum weight of 3 kg.
A.2.1.2.3. Reinforced concrete foundation
1) Concrete is a mixture of type 1 modified portland cement, or any other hydraulic cement, fine, coarse aggregate, and water, with or without additives. Concrete that contains reinforcing steel, whether prestressed or not, designed assuming that both materials act together to resist the forces to which they are subjected, is called reinforced, reinforced or prestressed concrete.
2) When the subsoil of the area where it will be built is irregular and it is presumed that cracks may appear, even after having been compacted, it must be verified that the entire lower surface of the foundation trench is clean, level, perfectly compacted, stabilizing the ground with cement and select material in a 1:10 ratio to consolidate it to the required value.
A.2.2. materials
The best quality aggregates (gravel, sand) and the specified cement will be used in the reinforced concrete foundation; The mixture must meet the recommended tests and must achieve the specified strength. Concrete must meet the following specification:
1) Comply with the specification for Portland cement type 1 (PM) standard COGUANOR NGO4IOOI, or ASTM C 595.
2) Fine aggregate: This material is made up of river sand or crushing sand, which is consistent, free of harmful amounts of clay, silt, organic waste and mineral salts that affect the quality of concrete.
3) Coarse aggregate: material consisting of gravel or gravel, free from harmful amounts of soft or crumbly materials, lumps of clay, dust and other harmful matter. The maximum nominal size of the aggregate shall not exceed: 115 of the spacing between the sides of the form, nor 113 of the bottom of the slab, nor 84 parts of the minimum free spacing between individual reinforcing rods or wires.
4) In general, the aggregates must comply with the specifications of aggregates for concrete COGUANOR 410070 ASTM C 33.
5) Water: The water used in concrete mixing must be clean and free of harmful amounts of oils, acids, alkalis, salts, organic matter and other substances that may be harmful to concrete or reinforcing steel.
6) Additives: this is the name given to all material other than water, aggregates or hydraulic cement, used as an ingredient in concrete and added to it before or during mixing in order to modify its properties. All must comply depending on which they are to be used with ASTM C 494, C260, C 618, C 618 standards.
7) Reinforcing steel: reinforcing steel must be corrugated, except for spirals, cables, No.2 bars. The reinforcing rods will be grade 40, unless otherwise stated on the project drawings and meet ASTM A 615, A 617, and 706 standards.
8) Standard hooks: this term is used to designate: 180 degree bend plus an extension of at least 4 bar diameters not less than 65 mm. On the outside free of the rod; 90 degree bend plus an extension of at least 12 dB at the end of the rod, and for stirrup and ring hooks, a 90 or 135 degree bend plus an extension of at least 6 dB, but not less 65 mm. At the end of the rod.
9) Bending: all reinforcing steel must be cold bent, no reinforcing steel partially drowned in concrete must be bent on site, except when indicated in the design drawings.
10) Surface conditions of the reinforcement: at the time of placing the concrete, the reinforcement must be free of mud, oil or other non-metallic coatings.
11) Concrete protection for reinforcement: the following minimum concrete cover must be provided to the reinforcing steel: cast concrete in contact with the ground and permanently exposed: 7.5 cm., Concrete exposed to the ground or the action of the weather: rods of No. 6 to 18 = 5.0 cm, and rods No. 5 and under = 4.0 cm.
12) Development length and overlap of reinforcing steel: the minimum length necessary to develop the design resistance of the reinforcement in a critical section must be provided, but the minimum must be 30 cm. Unless otherwise indicated in the drawings (it will always tend to be greater if I increase the thickness of the rod).
A.2.3. Other construction materials:
1) Blocks Fc 35Kg / cm²
2) Steel Fc 40000 psi
3) Concrete Fc 3000 psi
4) Plaster: first coat of fluid consistency in a ratio of 1: 1/2: 3; cement, lime and yellow sand sifted on the 3mm sieve. (1/8). Second coat should be done 8 hours later in a 1: 3: 4 ratio; cement lime and sand. Third layer 2 days later, being thin in a 1: 3 ratio; lime and yellow sand.
A.2.4. Roofs and roof:
It can be made of antisonora sheet or asphalt shingles, these sheets being composed of natural resins and asphalt coatings that work well as thermal and sound insulators.
A.2.5. Specifications in use of wood:
Wood is a fibrous and compact material that forms the core of the tree called the trunk, in its natural state it presents a diversity of characteristics and multiple uses in construction:
1) Interior wood: it must be treated at 0.25, both for structure and for machimbre.
2) Wood outdoors: it must be treated at 0.40.
3) Wood for use in water: it must be treated at 0.60.
4) The wood to be used must be LIGNUM (impregnated) with Osmose K-33 treatment at the percentage indicated in the respective line and in the provisions of the construction plans, depending on its use.
5) For doors and other elements, the same interior wood specification should be used.
6) All wood must be handled carefully and stowed avoiding the use of grapples, hooks, levers, etc., which cause deterioration.
7) Wood that suffers damage or deterioration in handling or assembly, should be treated by applying two coats of hot creosote oil to the damaged surfaces or as indicated by the manufacturer.
8) The workmanship must be of the highest quality in all wood work.
9) Cuts, perforations and deteriorated surfaces in treated wood, used in the construction of structures, should be treated by applying two coats of a mixture of 60% creosote oil and 40% resin, or two coats of. hot creosote and a back coat of ream, or as directed by the manufacturer.
10) All holes drilled for the placement of bolts in treated wood must be treated with creosote oil, and any hole already treated must be plugged with creosote until the corresponding bolt is placed, or as indicated by the manufacturer.
11) All wood will be cut exactly and should be adjusted so that the joints have full contact between their surfaces.
12) The bolts and fittings will be of the characteristics, sizes and diameters indicated in the project.
13) All bolts that pass through non-resinous wood will be painted two coats or coats of lead red with linseed oil.
14) Holes to accommodate bolts and bars must have a diameter of 1.6 mm 1/16 ″ greater than the nominal diameter of the bolt.
15) All construction lumber should be stored in piles and should be protected with an appropriate covering. The piles must be 30 c., At least above the surface of the ground.
A.3.Types of signs
3 types of signs can be defined depending on the place where they will be placed, for demarcation and protection of protected areas, which is why they differ completely from specific signs for tourism and public use in terms of color and size. The types and sites for which they should be used are described below.
1) Signs for demarcation gaps
These are small signs that must be placed at 350 mt intervals over the demarcation gaps to identify the demarcated protected area. They should be placed at the time of opening gaps, maintaining gaps and improving limits.
2) Signs to be placed at crossroads with limits of protected areas
These are medium-sized signs that should be installed at crossroads with protected area boundaries.
3) Panoramic signs for the identification of protected areas
These are large signs that must be placed on important roads and strategic points in order to make the entrance to or vicinity of a protected area known to the public.
The color of these signs must be very attractive and indicate caution, so they must be yellow as the universal specifications on caution signs, the material for their construction can be treated or impregnated wood and also metal. The small demarcation signs can be made of synthetic materials such as polyurethanes.
B. Public use infrastructure
B.1. Trail design:
For the specific case of trail design, in addition to the above considerations, the following recommendations should be taken into account:
(1) The selection of the location, the alignment and the slope consider both the technical aspects (type of soil, bedrock, excavation, slope, drainage), as well as aesthetic (scenic beauty, characteristic of interest), as well as the particular needs of certain users, for example, elderly or disabled adults.
(2) Construction costs, labor and maintenance requirements have been previously established.
(3) The technical aspects of the construction are reviewed by experts (eg alignment, excavations, bases, constructions).
(4) The trail fulfills the purposes for which it was devised (senior groups, families, naturalists, etc.).
(5) The trails are located so that the characteristics of the park and the landscape can be enjoyed; and avoid serious disturbances to the natural scenery.
(6) The trail has an inventory of attractive landscapes and natural features based on aerial photographs, field evaluations, technical material, etc.
(7) The slopes on the trails are not greater than 15 or 17%. Construction on these slopes requires minimal excavation, less soil washout, stabilization, and drainage. The excavation of trails that exceed 70% of slopes should be avoided, as it requires expensive work to stabilize the interior slope.
(8) Construction skewed across slopes reduces the risk of erosion and avoids steep gradients.
(9) The configuration of the terrain is used to develop trails in “zigzags”. Angles that are too sharp are avoided and the sinuosities are not visible, to avoid people cutting paths and making multiple unplanned trails.
(10) The expected impact of visitors is evaluated, listing the fragile characteristics and marking the sections where slope stabilization, drainage or other erosion control measures are required.
(11) Existing roads are used when they meet the necessary conditions, otherwise they must be closed.
(12) The services to be provided (rest sites, shelters, benches, garbage cans, signs, steps, bridges, interpretive panels, safety barriers such as cliff fences, sewers) are in detail listed and identified on a map..
(13) The trail has a maintenance, patrolling and cleaning program.
(14) The trail has an interpretive plan using themes, locations, designs and techniques suitable for the target audience.
(15) In general, nature trails are relatively short (0.5 to 1.5 km), with a travel time of between 30 to 60 minutes, however, depending on the market segments that the area hopes to serve, it may require other types of trails with a higher degree of difficulty, for example: bird watchers, naturalists, climbers, etc.
(16) As far as possible, it is preferable to design trails in the form of one-way circuits, rather than round-trip trails (double-track).
(17) The trail design must "invite" the visitor; it must have a clear entrance, well marked. Muddy places and physical obstacles should be avoided as much as possible or provide adequate infrastructure to avoid impact.
(18) Both long and relatively short trails should provide breaks and sites for contemplation or viewpoints.
(19) In the same way, bridges, steps, fences, supports or other facilities must be provided in the places where it is necessary.
(20) All trails and facilities for ecotourism use must be well maintained.
(21) In coastal areas or marine parks, special techniques and resources should be used to design trails, such as aerial or elevated trails; Self-guided trails with special signage for canals or aquatic or underwater routes (buoys for example).
B.3. Wooden steps or stairs:
These must be made of Lignum wood treated at 0.40 and placed to access platforms, as well as to go down or go up to areas where the terrain in winter is slippery.
B.4. Labels:
There should be different types of labels, such as:
B.4.1. Indicator labels:
These must be made of Lignum wood treated at 0.40 and will be at the beginning of the sites on stone bases.
B.4.2. Signs of special areas:
These can be made of transparent plexiglass with blue letters lying and seated on wood in the middle of the area, where the interpretation of each area is explained or performed.
B.4.3. Guiding signs:
These must be made of Lignum wood treated at 0.40 and serve to guide the visitor towards the buildings or towards the points of interest, and consist of guiding arrows on the paths or various signs on a base guiding towards the different points.
B.4.4. Signs indicating distance or ecological features for interpretation:
These must be made of 0.40-treated Lignum wood and be placed on the interpretive trails with a number to indicate the feature to be interpreted or the distance traveled.
B.5. Waste disposal:
(1) The waste disposal must be done in plastic garbage cans strategically placed in the squares or places, secured to existing trees by means of galvanized chains lined with green plastic material.
(2) Non-biodegradable materials must be extracted once a week from the area for sale in the central area, or where the local municipality provides.
(3) Biodegradable materials must be buried in open pits for the effect of 0.50 x 0.50 x 1.00 mts., Where the soil allows it, always away from the area of interest.
B.6. Rest areas:
The rest areas will have the same specifications as the buildings, except that as they are open areas, the ashlar will be made of block filled with concrete and the final finish will be made of flagstone, and the Lignum-type wooden seat for exteriors (outdoor) treatment to the 0.40.
B.7. Rest benches:
The rest benches must be made of Lignum wood treated at 0.40, bolted with the bases, with the dimensions according to construction plans, placed in strategic places.
B.8. Grandstands:
These must be stone with cement mortar of 0.90 meters. wide, fitting in with the natural terrain, sloping towards the inside of the track, and sloping to one side to evacuate rainwater and prevent erosion of the stands.
MAG-PAES-CATIE, 2001
Based on FAO / UNEP, 1992
IUCN, 1996 and United States Department of the Interior, 1993; PROARCAS / CAPA, 1999.
MAG-PAES-CATIE, 2001
Costa Rica ICT 1997.
MacKinnon, Child and Thorsell, 1990
