Estudio geotécnico in Mendavia

In Mendavia, the dominant ground materials are sandstones, conglomerates and flysch formations; these materials usually exhibit good mechanical properties and a reasonable bearing capacity for conventional foundations. However, the significant presence of gypsum, anhydrite and salts introduces an additional risk due to possible dissolution processes, especially in environments with extensive and very permeable aquifers as characterised by the area. Compact gravels and sands, although less frequent, also provide favourable conditions for direct foundation, whereas areas of fine sands and silts require greater attention due to their lower compactness.

From a geotechnical point of view, the region has very low seismicity, with only one recorded event in 30 years and a maximum magnitude of 1.8, which minimises the need to consider seismic actions in structural design calculations. Nevertheless, the potential existence of karstification, especially due to the gypsum, makes it necessary to carefully verify the stability and uniformity of the ground before any foundation work. The non-clayey substrate rules out expansivity risks, so the main technical constraint is to control any possible development of cavities or dissolutions associated with the gypsum-bearing substrate and the hydrological behaviour of the ground.