Estudio geotécnico in Castellbell i el Vilar

In Castellbell i el Vilar, a substrate consisting essentially of sandstone, conglomerates and flysch predominates, which generally provides a good bearing capacity and favours the execution of conventional shallow (direct) foundations. However, the localised presence of white and soft expansive clays, as well as of fine sands and silts, must be carefully assessed, since these lithologies may show some compressibility or variability in strength, conditioning the depth or the most suitable foundation type. The low permeability of the formations helps to limit problems of leaching or capillary rise, but it is important to study locally the possible existence of shallow aquifers in the first few metres.

Seismic activity in the municipality is very low, with only 2 events recorded in the last 30 years and a maximum magnitude of 1.8, so the seismic risk in structural design is practically negligible. However, the existence of possible karstic phenomena in the substrate makes it essential to carry out specific geotechnical checks to rule out the presence of cavities or dissolution that could affect the stability of the foundation. The absence of a dominant clayey substrate minimises the risk of expansivity, so the main geotechnical factor to be considered in Castellbell i el Vilar is the possible presence of karst.