Estudio geotécnico in Venta de Baños

In Venta de Baños, gravels and compact sands predominate, offering excellent conditions from the standpoint of bearing capacity, thereby facilitating the execution of shallow direct foundations. The occasional presence of gypsum, anhydrite and salts introduces a risk of dissolution, which may compromise stability if these formations are not correctly identified. In addition, the areas of water bodies and the highly permeable nature of the aquifers require special attention in controlling the groundwater level and any possible differential settlements. Layers of fine sands and silts only appear occasionally and generally imply lower bearing capacity, but they do not represent the dominant scenario.

With regard to geotechnical risks, the seismicity in the municipality is notable, with 57 events in the last 30 years, although the maximum recorded magnitude (Mmax 4) is moderate; the seismic influence should be assessed, but it does not constitute a severe limitation for the usual design. The presence of karst must be verified specifically before designing any foundation, due to the associated risk of cavities and subsidence. Since the substratum does not contain expansive clays, the risk of ground expansivity is ruled out. The main geotechnical constraint for studies in Venta de Baños will be the possible influence of karst and of localised areas of gypsum on the stability and durability of the foundations.