Estudio geotécnico in Pinos Puente

In Pinos Puente, the subsoil is dominated mainly by fine sands and silts, which represents a common material but with moderate bearing capacity that requires accurate assessment to define the most suitable foundation type. Limestones, dolomites and marbles are also frequently present; these rocks show good strength and, in general, a better bearing capacity, although they require specific investigation due to their possible development of karst cavities. Isolated occurrences of muds and peats advise against using these horizons as foundation support because of their compressibility and low strength, while shallow aquifers can influence excavation conditions and the establishment of drainage.

Local seismicity is high, with around 200 events over 30 years and a maximum recorded magnitude of 4.6, which means that earthquake-resistant regulations must be taken into account in all structural design. The non-clayey substratum rules out issues related to expansiveness, but the possible existence of karst processes linked to limestones and dolomites requires verification before foundation works, in order to avoid risks of differential settlements associated with underground cavities. Thus, the main constraint of the geotechnical study in this municipality lies in identifying the karst and in the appropriate assessment of earthquake resistance.