Geotechnical study in Almussafes

In Almussafes, limestone, dolomite and marble strata predominate, accompanied by compacted gravels and sands, which provides ground with adequate bearing capacity for shallow foundations. Formations of expansive clays occur only occasionally, but since the main substrate is non-clayey, the incidence of expansion/contraction movements is limited. In addition, the generally low permeability promotes stability, although there may be areas with shallow aquifers that would require specific review. The localised presence of fine sands and silts can reduce bearing capacity at particular points, so it is advisable to characterise their distribution thoroughly before defining the foundation.

Seismicity in the municipality is very low, with only one event every 30 years and a maximum magnitude of less than 2, ruling this factor out as a relevant constraint in structural design. However, given the predominance of carbonate materials, the existence of karstified processes is possible and must be verified in the geotechnical study phase, as cavities or sinkholes may appear that would compromise the stability of the foundation. Thus, the main constraint in Almussafes is the assessment of possible risks associated with karst before carrying out any works.