Estudio geotécnico in Orce

In Orce, formations of limestones, dolomites and marbles predominate, representing more than half of the soils present. These materials usually offer high bearing capacity and favourable conditions for foundations, provided that the local presence of fine sands, silts and occasional deposits of hard clays is verified, as these may alter the structural behaviour. The generally low permeability of the soils, except in some shallow water-bearing zones, further favours stability, although the local existence of gypsum, anhydrite and salts introduces the risk of dissolution, especially relevant in cases where these formations are the bearing stratum.

Seismic activity in the area is moderate, with 16 events over 30 years and a low maximum magnitude (Mmax 2.9), so its effects are typically limited in structural design. Nevertheless, the karstic environment that characterises part of the municipality requires strict checking for cavities or instabilities before executing any foundation. Similarly, the non-clayey substratum completely rules out the risk of expansivity, so the main constraint for the geotechnical study in Orce is the consistently possible presence of karst phenomena and associated dissolution processes linked to the gypsum and salts.