Estudio geotécnico in Mérida

In Mérida, the set of predominant soils is formed mainly by masses of water and deposits of fine sands, silts and detrital materials such as sandstones, conglomerates and flysch. Outcrops of granite, gneiss and other igneous rocks can also be found, accompanied by gravels and compacted sands. The dominant presence of granular soils and hard rocks, together with a very low proportion of low-strength materials, implies bearing capacity generally adequate for shallow foundations, although the possible presence of saturated layers and the local variability of the ground should be studied before defining the foundation type to be used.

With regard to the geotechnical constraints, seismicity in Mérida is very low, with only two recorded events over 30 years and a low maximum magnitude (Mmax 1.5), which removes significant restrictions in the seismic design of structures. The non-clayey soil type rules out risks associated with expansiveness. Therefore, the main aspect to be considered in the geotechnical study will be the heterogeneity of the strata and the presence of groundwater, which may influence the choice of the founding level and the control of differential settlements.