Estudio geotécnico in Piedrahíta

In the municipality of Piedrahíta, substrates of granite, gneiss and other igneous rocks predominate, making up close to 69% of the ground. These rock formations are known for their high strength, which favours significant bearing capacity and allows direct foundations to be considered in most cases. Gravel and compacted sands, although present occasionally, can provide suitable layers for simple supports, whereas shales and schists imply, on a zonal basis, the need to check the orientation of the rock and the degree of alteration in order to avoid possible movements or stability problems.

Seismic activity in Piedrahíta is moderate, with 32 events recorded over the last three decades and a maximum magnitude (Mmax) of 2.8, which does not pose a threat that would condition standard structural design. There are no indications of karstification and the non-clayey substrate rules out the risk of expansive soils, simplifying soil–structure interaction studies. Therefore, the main constraint in geotechnical studies in the area lies in the detailed characterisation of the alteration of the dominant rocks, ensuring the foundation’s stability.