Estudio geotécnico in Cortes de la Frontera

In Cortes de la Frontera, formations of sandstone, conglomerates and flysch predominate, together with a significant proportion of limestones, dolomites and marbles. These materials generally provide good bearing capacity, although the occasional presence of fine sands, silts and hard strata such as slates and schists introduces some local heterogeneity. Permeable formations are limited, and most of the materials show very low permeability, making it feasible to carry out shallow and deep foundations, although it will be necessary to verify stability in the presence of shallow aquifers.

The municipality shows notable seismicity, with 149 events over 30 years and a maximum magnitude (Mmax) of 4.5, which requires the consideration of seismic actions in the structural design of the foundations. In addition, the presence of limestones and dolomites implies a potential occurrence of karstic phenomena, which require an exhaustive verification of the ground before embarking on the foundation design. The non-clayey substrate rules out the risk of expansiveness, placing the main geotechnical constraint on the possible presence of karst alongside the area’s significant seismicity.