Geotechnical study in Almadén

In Almadén, the geotechnical substrate is dominated by slates and schists, metamorphic materials that provide stability and considerable bearing capacity to the ground, favouring conventional shallow foundations. The occasional presence of overconsolidated clays and marls, of a hard nature, does not usually compromise global stability, although it may require localised analyses to define the best foundation solution. The appearance of fine sands, silts and granitic materials is of little significance, whereas areas of water mass may condition the depth and the foundation system, given the limited permeability of most of the formations present.

The seismicity recorded in Almadén is very low, with barely two events in the last 30 years and a maximum magnitude (Mmax) of 3.5, which does not impose any additional structural requirements arising from this factor. The analysis of expansivity shows a non-clayey substrate, which eliminates the risk of volumetric expansions that could be detrimental to the foundations. The main geotechnical constraint in Almadén is determined by the need to appropriately identify the zones of water masses and ensure that the foundation levels are placed in competent and stable materials, in order to guarantee the safety and functionality of the infrastructures.