Geotechnical study in Avinyonet del Penedès

In Avinyonet del Penedès, the dominant geological substrate corresponds to limestones, dolomites and marbles, with a very frequent presence, accompanied by compact gravels and sands in a relevant proportion, and occasionally by fine sands and silts. These materials generally offer good bearing capacities, especially in the rock horizons, which allows the use of shallow foundations unless areas have been locally altered. Compact gravels are also suitable for supporting foundations, whereas the bearing capacity of the uncemented sandy and silty layers must be assessed.

Seismicity in the area is moderate, with 11 events over 30 years and a maximum recorded magnitude of 3, so the seismic risk for structural design can be considered low. It is important to highlight the presence of karst phenomena, and the possible existence of cavities in the limestone substrate must be verified before executing any type of foundation to avoid risks associated with subsidence or local collapse. The absence of clayey materials eliminates the risk of problems associated with soil expansivity; the main constraint is the detailed checking of the karst and the homogeneity of the rock substrate.