Geotechnical study in Alcobendas

In Alcobendas, the dominant subsoil includes a combination of sandstones, conglomerates and flysch, which occur frequently, alongside substantial bodies of groundwater. In general, these ground conditions present adequate bearing capacity for most foundation typologies, although the local presence of water-bearing masses can affect the effective strength of the soils; therefore, it is essential to study the depth of the water table. In specific areas where there are compacted gravels and sands, the mechanical behaviour is favourable, whereas outcrops of limestones and dolomites are less common and are usually associated with particular foundation conditions.

Seismicity in the vicinity of Alcobendas is considered very low, with only 5 recorded events in the last 30 years and a maximum magnitude of 3, which implies a marginal impact on structural design. On the other hand, although non-expansive or scattered clays have been identified within a matrix that is predominantly non-clayey, there is a certain risk of expansivity that must be analysed with care in building projects. The main constraint in the area will be the heterogeneity of the materials and the management of the water table, which may influence the geotechnical parameters relevant to selecting the most suitable foundation.