Estudio geotécnico in Alhaurín el Grande

In Alhaurín el Grande, calcareous soils predominate, with abundant occurrences of slates and schists, as well as smaller contributions of sandstones, conglomerates and flysch. These stony materials generally provide high bearing capacities, which favours shallow direct foundations in most cases. However, the occasional presence of fine sands and silts may create zones of lower stability that require specific attention, and granite and gneiss formations enhance the lithological diversity. Permeability is usually low or very low, ensuring stability against differential settlements, although there may be localised near-surface aquifers in isolated points.

Seismicity in the municipality is moderate, with 26 recorded events over the last three decades and a maximum magnitude of 3.4, which implies a low seismic risk, although it should not be disregarded in the structural design of singular buildings. The non-clayey substratum eliminates the risk of expansiveness, but the potential for karst processes due to the dominant presence of limestones, dolomites and marbles requires careful verification before defining any foundation solution in order to avoid problems associated with voids or subsidence. The main geotechnical constraint in Alhaurín el Grande is rigorous checking for the existence of karstic cavities beneath future buildings.