Estudio geotécnico in Piornal

In the municipal term of Piornal, the dominant geological substrate consists of granite, gneiss and other igneous rocks, accounting for more than 84% of the soils. These lithologies provide a solid base, with high bearing capacity and low deformability, which favours direct foundation solutions, such as isolated footings or rafts, provided that any possible weathered covers are removed. The absence of significant layers of peat, muds or gypsum, together with the occasional presence of water bodies, does not pose serious restrictions, except in areas locally saturated where it might be necessary to raise the foundation level or drain beforehand.

The seismicity in Piornal is notable, with 56 events in the last three decades and a maximum recorded magnitude of 3.1, which implies the need to take moderate seismic actions into account in the structural design calculations, in accordance with current regulations. There is no evidence of karstic phenomena or significant expansivity, since the non-clayey substrate rules out these risks. Therefore, the main technical constraint focuses on the proper characterisation of the near-surface rock and possible local aquifers, thereby optimising the siting and type of foundation.