Estudio geotécnico in Belmonte de Tajo

In Belmonte de Tajo, soils are predominantly formed by limestones, dolomites and marbles, accompanied by a significant presence of gypsum, anhydrite and salts. These carbonate and evaporite materials generally provide favourable bearing capacity for shallow foundations, although the occasional presence of sandstones, conglomerates and flysch may introduce some local variability. Nevertheless, the frequency of gypsum and anhydrite, together with especially compact formations and very low permeability, requires that the risk of dissolution and the possibility of differential settlement are taken into account; in addition, compact gravel and sand typically represent zones of improvement in bearing capacity where they are available.

The area shows very low seismicity, with only a single recorded event over 30 years and a low maximum magnitude (Mmax 1.8), which rules out seismicity as a design constraint. However, the development of karst associated with carbonate rocks and the presence of gypsum and salts implies the need for a detailed examination of the subsoil to rule out cavities and dissolution zones before defining any foundation solution. Given its non-clayey substrate, there are no risks associated with expansive soils, so the main geotechnical constraint is verification of karstic and dissolution processes.