Estudio geotécnico in Nigüelas

In Nigüelas, the subsoil is composed mainly of shales and schists, with occasional occurrences of limestones, dolomites and marbles. These lithologies provide a predominantly stiff ground, with generally low permeability and variable suitability for supporting foundations. Bearing capacity is usually sufficient in the shales and schists, although a detailed characterisation of fracturing and weathering is required. In cases where limestones and dolomites crop out, particular attention must be paid to their integrity, as karstic zones may exist that could affect bearing capacity and stability conditions.

Seismicity in Nigüelas is very low, with only 5 recorded events over 30 years and a maximum magnitude of 4, so seismic risk is low and scarcely influences structural design. The non-clayey substrate virtually rules out expansivity risk. However, the presence of carbonate materials implies the possible occurrence of karst, which means that an exhaustive verification of cavities or solution features must be carried out before executing any foundation, this being the main geotechnical constraint in the municipality.