Estudio geotécnico in Alcaucín

In Alcaucín, the subsoil is mainly characterised by the presence of slates and schists, accounting for more than 86% of the ground, materials with low permeability and moderate bearing capacity. This predominance means that foundation solutions must be adapted to the limited strength of these materials, although the relatively low presence of clay layers or their minority occurrence reduces the complications associated with differential settlement. Sandstones, conglomerates and flysch, together with small proportions of limestones, suggest localised variations in the geotechnical response, but do not change the predominance of the impermeable substrate.

Seismicity in the municipality is moderate, with 14 events over the last 30 years and a maximum recorded magnitude of 3.5, which rules out seismicity as a relevant design constraint. The non-clayey substrate eliminates the risk of significant expansivity. However, the possible presence of cavities associated with limestone rock and dolomite indicates that karst verification is mandatory before deciding on any foundation system, with this phenomenon being the main factor conditioning the viability and safety of the infrastructure in the municipality.