Estudio geotécnico in Villarrubia de Santiago

In Villarrubia de Santiago, the most common subsurface materials are sandstones, conglomerates and flysch, followed by carbonate formations such as limestones, dolomites and marbles. These lithologies are usually associated with good bearing capacities, favouring shallow (direct) foundations in most cases. There are localised areas with gypsum, anhydrite and salts, which may imply a risk of dissolution and a loss of bearing capacity, as well as the presence of highly productive aquifers, which requires special attention to protection against seepage and groundwater level drops.

Seismicity is classified as very low, with only around 5 recorded events over 30 years and a low maximum magnitude (Mmax 2.2), which minimises the seismic influence on structural designs. However, the documented presence of karst means it is necessary to verify exhaustively the development of cavities before any type of foundation, especially in carbonates and gypsum. In addition, in sectors where expansive clays appear, it is essential to assess the risk of expansivity, as it can compromise foundation stability if not handled appropriately. The combination of possible karst, expansive soils and gypsum dissolution requires a detailed geotechnical study as the main determining factor in the municipality.