Estudio geotécnico in Vilafranca de Bonany

In Vilafranca de Bonany, the dominant geotechnical subsoil consists of fine sands and silts, accompanied by white or soft expansive clays and a significant presence of limestones, dolomites and marbles. The sands and silts provide a moderate bearing capacity which, combined with the limestone and dolomite zones, allows an adequate shallow foundation in most cases. The expansive clays, although present, do not pose a significant risk in non-clayey subsoils, whereas the presence of aquifers with moderate permeability and output requires particular attention in the foundation design due to possible variations in the groundwater level.

Seismic activity in the municipality is moderate, with a record of 24 earthquakes over the last 30 years and a maximum magnitude of 3.2, which suggests considering certain precautions in buildings, although without requiring specific structural reinforcement measures. It is essential to verify the existence of karstic phenomena in the calcareous materials before carrying out the foundation, given the potential for dissolution and the formation of cavities. The main constraint in Vilafranca de Bonany is the need to analyse the karst and the subsurface heterogeneities to ensure stability and structural safety.