Estudio geotécnico in Arenys de Munt

In Arenys de Munt, granitic and gneissic substrates predominate, as well as other igneous rocks, which represent 75% of the local lithology, with a secondary presence of fine sands and silts. These materials are characterised by high strength and low deformability, favouring excellent bearing capacities for shallow foundations. Infiltration is limited by the low permeability of these soils, although local aquifers may occur associated with fracturing within the bedrock mass; the feasibility for anchors and excavations is usually optimal, provided that the possible existence of altered or colluvial zones at the surface is investigated.

Seismic activity in the area is moderate, with 23 events recorded over 30 years and a maximum magnitude of 3.5, a factor which habitually does not introduce strict structural design requirements under current regulations. There are no risks linked to karstification or to expansive soils, since the predominant substrate is not clayey, thus ruling out problems of swelling or shrinkage. The main factor for the geotechnical study in Arenys de Munt is given by the superficial heterogeneity between sound rock and altered granular materials, which always advises precise local characterisation in order to determine the ideal depth of founding.