Geotechnical study in Bellcaire d'Urgell

In Bellcaire d'Urgell, the predominant bedrock consists of sandstones, conglomerates and flysch, present in almost 70% of the area, accompanied by deposits of compact gravels and sands. These materials generally provide good ground-bearing capacity conditions for foundations, although the low overall permeability requires particular attention to the management of surface drainage or any possible shallow aquifers. The presence of expansive clays is only secondary or associated with areas without anhydric deficit, so its direct impact on foundation design is usually limited, but it must be verified in each particular case.

Seismic activity in this locality is very low, with a frequency of only about 3 events over the last 30 years and a maximum recorded magnitude of 2.5, so seismicity does not constitute a relevant constraint for structural design. There are no karstification hazards in the municipality. In summary, the main geotechnical aspect to monitor lies in the appropriate characterisation of the sandstone and conglomeratic bedrock, together with the occasional check for any subordinate levels of expansive clays when they are detected during the site investigation campaign.