Estudio geotécnico in Oliva

In Oliva, the dominant subsoil is formed mainly by white, expansive and soft clays, as well as by fine sands and silts, which implies a usual presence of soils of low to medium compactness and variable bearing capacity. Calcareous rocks, dolomites and marbles are also found, although to a lesser extent, and they may provide better support conditions in specific locations, alongside compact gravels and sands. The predominance of generally impermeable materials limits infiltration, but it can lead to the presence of shallow aquifers at higher elevations; this requires a proper hydrogeological assessment to define the optimum foundation system.

Seismicity in Oliva is very low, with only 5 events in the last 30 years and a maximum magnitude of 2.4, so it does not represent a special requirement for structural design calculations. Nevertheless, there is the possibility of karst development in the identified calcareous levels, which makes it necessary to carry out a specific verification of cavities before proceeding with deep or shallow foundations. Once the risk of expansivity has been ruled out, the main geotechnical constraint in this municipality is the potential presence of karst in the carbonate strata, making detailed investigation essential prior to designing the structures.