Geotechnical study in Águilas

In Águilas, fine sands and silts predominate, accounting for more than half of the local soils, accompanied by formations of slates and schists in an also significant proportion. These materials usually offer a moderate bearing capacity, enabling conventional shallow foundation solutions, although the minor presence of gypsum, anhydrite and salts requires special attention due to the potential dissolution effect they may generate in the presence of water. The overall impermeability of the strata can limit drainage, influencing the choice of the most suitable foundation typology.

The seismicity of the area is moderate, with 17 recorded events over the last 30 years and a maximum magnitude of 3.8, so seismic risk should be assessed even if it is not predominant. The non-clayey substrate rules out the possibility of significant expansivity, but the presence of karst conditions requires verifying the ground’s soundness before any foundation work. The main constraint in Águilas is the possible presence of karstic cavities and the associated risk of dissolution linked to gypsum and salts—aspects that are decisive in any geotechnical study.