Estudio geotécnico in Cobeña

In Cobeña, the subsurface is dominated by the presence of sandstone, conglomerates and flysch, which forms a competent bedrock substrate for shallow and deep foundations. Shales and schists appear only occasionally, whereas limestones, dolomites and marbles are of little significance. In addition, there is a smaller fraction of compact gravels and sands that provide good drainage capacity. These conditions usually translate into a favourable bearing capacity for foundation design, provided that the degree of compaction is verified and that loose or altered layers are not identified.

The area shows very low seismicity, with only around 5 recorded events in the last 30 years and a maximum magnitude of 3, so seismic hazard does not significantly affect the criteria for structural design. There are no problems associated with karst, nor any presence of gypsum or salts. Although non-expansive or dispersed clays are identified within a non-clayey matrix, the risk of expansivity does not constitute a relevant design constraint. The main factor to control in Cobeña lies in the local heterogeneity of the bedrock and in the proper characterisation of the aquifers of high permeability in the area.