Estudio geotécnico in Zalamea de la Serena

In Zalamea de la Serena, the predominant subsoil is formed by shales and schists, metamorphic materials that provide good bearing capacity and stability for conventional foundations. In addition, the occasional presence of granite, gneiss and igneous rocks reinforces the suitability of the ground for supporting important structural loads. The hard clays and marls, although present in smaller proportions, offer suitable mechanical properties due to their overconsolidation, while the deposits with a varied particle-size distribution of gravels, sands and silts add a certain degree of near-surface heterogeneity but, being compact and well-graded, they do not usually pose serious complications for founding, except where very thin or unstable layers outcrop.

As regards seismic hazard, Zalamea de la Serena records very low seismic activity, with barely a significant event every 30 years and a maximum magnitude that does not exceed M=3.9, which minimises the requirement for specific structural reinforcements due to seismic action. The absence of clayey subsoils eliminates any risk associated with expansiveness, resulting in a predictable ground response under loading. The main factor to consider in the geotechnical study is the low permeability of the formations, which may lead to the accumulation of surface water and require particular attention in the management of drainage during foundation design.