Estudio geotécnico in San Carlos del Valle

In San Carlos del Valle, the ground is characterised mainly by the presence of limestones, dolomites and marbles, representing more than 85% of the local geological substrate. This type of rock provides a competent foundation with a high bearing capacity for shallow foundations, which favours the execution of footings and other conventional shallow solutions. Slates, schists, compact gravels and sands appear marginally and rarely influence the overall support conditions in any significant way, although they do merit occasional review during specific inspections.

The municipality’s seismicity is very low, with only 5 recorded events showing a maximum magnitude of 2.2, which represents a low-demand scenario for seismic design. There are no signs of karstification in the substrate, and the absence of clayey materials eliminates the risk of expansivity. Thus, the main controlling factor in the geotechnical studies of San Carlos del Valle is to ensure an appropriate characterisation and continuity of the carbonate materials, which provide advantageous conditions for foundation works.