Estudio geotécnico in Pinar of El Hierro

In El Pinar de El Hierro, soils formed by sandstones, conglomerates and flysch predominate, accounting for more than 65% of the surface area. These materials, in general competent, provide adequate bearing capacity for shallow foundations, although the heterogeneity of the flysch may require detailed studies in the event of the presence of interbedded levels that are poorly consolidated. The existence of permeable formations with perched aquifers, or in contact with other formations, calls for particular attention to drainage and protection against the possible rise of water during the foundation design.

Seismicity in the municipality of El Pinar is classified as moderate, with 36 events recorded over the last three decades and a maximum magnitude of 3.6, which suggests incorporating standard seismic considerations into structural design. No karst-related phenomena are recorded, nor is there any presence of expansive clayey soils, ruling out risks associated with subsidence due to dissolution or ground expansivity. Thus, permeability and hydrogeological control are positioned as the main factors to be assessed in local geotechnical studies.