Geotechnical study in Balearic Islands

The Balearic Islands, located in the Mediterranean Sea, comprise a territorial distribution that includes the islands of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. The province of Mallorca, the largest, shows a variety of geographical areas, including the Serra de Tramuntana in the north, where calcareous and rocky soils predominate, and the alluvial plains of the Pla, with alluvial and clayey soils suitable for agricultural and development activities.

To a lesser extent, Menorca is characterised by calcareous soils and franco-sandy stone ground in the coastal areas, with inland areas of deeper and more fertile soils. Ibiza and Formentera feature calcareous and sandy soils, with some areas of marine ground altered by recent geological processes. The diversity of soil types significantly influences ground stability and the foundation techniques required.

The mountainous terrain in Mallorca, mainly in the Serra de Tramuntana, requires special considerations in geotechnical studies, taking into account soil fragmentation and the presence of rocks. By contrast, the flat areas offer good conditions for stable foundations, but the specific characteristics of the soil, such as its cohesion and permeability, must be evaluated to ensure the potential feasibility of construction and infrastructure projects in the Balearic region.