Estudio geotécnico in Mentrida

In Méntrida, soils mainly comprise sandstones, conglomerates and flysch, accounting for more than 77% of the outcropping materials, followed in smaller proportions by limestones, dolomites and marbles. This dominant lithology generally implies a good bearing capacity for shallow foundations, especially on the conglomeratic and sandstone materials. However, the presence of local aquifers and layers with moderate permeability requires detailed characterisation of the water table level and the drainage behaviour of the stratigraphy in the geotechnical study, as it could influence the typology and depth of the optimal foundation.

With regard to seismicity, in Méntrida high activity is recorded, with more than 200 events over 30 years and a maximum magnitude (Mmax) of 5.1, which necessitates integrating earthquake-resistant criteria into structural design, particularly for buildings of importance or of great height. Although the risk of karstification is minimal given the low proportion of limestones, the main constraint is the possibility of expansivity in non-expansive or dispersed clays within a non-clayey matrix, which requires planning preventive measures in the geotechnical project to mitigate volumetric ground deformations under structural loads.