Estudio geotécnico in The Bridge of the Archbishop

In El Puente del Arzobispo, the dominant geological substrate is formed by limestones, dolomites and marbles which, although present on an occasional basis (10,34%), characterise the load-bearing behaviour of the ground in certain areas. These rocky materials usually offer good properties for foundations due to their high bearing capacity and stability, although the local presence of extensive and discontinuous aquifers may influence the optimum support depth and require precise definition during the geotechnical study. It is essential to characterise the soil in each plot, since the location of expansive clays may require specific foundation designs in those points where these materials predominate.

Seismicity in this municipality is high, with more than 200 events over the last 30 years and a maximum magnitude of 5.1, which requires that seismic action is taken into account in the structural engineering of any building. Although karst does not represent a conditioning factor, the expansiveness of the clays in certain zones increases the risk of problems caused by swelling and shrinkage, so foundation solutions adapted specifically for areas where clays are predominant should be applied. The combination of expansive risk and seismic activity constitutes the main geotechnical challenge in El Puente del Arzobispo.