Estudio geotécnico in Villa de Otura

In the town of Otura, fine sands and silts predominate, together with significant proportions of limestones, dolomites, marbles and a notable percentage of gypsum, anhydrite and salts. This variety of substrate implies variable bearing capacity, generally favourable for shallow foundations in the more competent materials. However, the frequent presence of gypsum, anhydrite and salts introduces a risk of dissolution processes, which may compromise ground stability in the medium and long term. Additionally, the existence of moderately productive aquifers requires studying possible fluctuations in the groundwater table when designing the foundation.

Seismicity in the municipality is moderate, with an incidence of 34 events over 30 years and a maximum magnitude of 3.9; therefore, seismic action must be analysed in accordance with the specific current regulations, although it does not represent an extreme constraint. The presence of karst in the area requires thorough checks for cavities and voids before any foundation works, in order to avoid unforeseen settlements. Although expansive clays are present, their subordinate character limits the risk associated with expansivity. The main geotechnical constraint for the area is the possible instability due to gypsum dissolution and the presence of karst, which determine the need for detailed studies prior to the execution of any infrastructure.