Estudio geotécnico in Cortes de Baza

In Cortes de Baza, limestones, dolomites and marbles predominate, making up almost half of the local geotechnical subsoil. These materials provide a high bearing capacity, which is favourable for most shallow and deep foundations. Locally, compact gravels and sands can also be found, suitable for foundation work provided that their compaction is verified, whereas the occasional presence of gypsum, anhydrite and salts implies a potential risk of dissolution, which can lead to instability. It is essential to avoid founding structures on the levels of fine sands, silts or on water-mass zones, due to their low strength and compressibility.

Seismicity in the area is very low, with only 2 recorded events over 30 years and a maximum magnitude (Mmax) of 4.4, so the structural seismic requirements do not represent a critical constraint. The non-clayey subsoil rules out the issue of expansivity. However, it is essential to verify the presence of karstic developments in the area, given the frequency of carbonate rocks and the possible effects of dissolution processes resulting from the presence of gypsum, anhydrite and salts. The main aspect to control before designing the foundation is a detailed assessment of the karst and the risks associated with dissolution.