Geotechnical study in Benalúa de las Villas

In Benalúa de las Villas, a substrate formed mainly of limestones, dolomites and marbles predominates, which suggests competent soils with high bearing capacity, ideal for shallow foundations except in localised areas with fine sands and silts. The occasional presence of muds and peats in deltaic environments indicates the need to avoid these materials as a supporting stratum, as they may cause significant differential settlement. On the other hand, the low proportion of other materials such as sandstones or igneous rocks does not substantially alter the average conditions, and the ground’s permeability is generally low, although deep aquifers may exist that must be taken into account in foundation or excavation projects.

The seismicity recorded in the municipality is very low, with just two events over thirty years and a maximum magnitude of 2.9, which implies a low impact on structural design from a seismic point of view. Given the predominantly carbonate character of the subsoil, it is essential to check for karst phenomena before designing any foundation system, since the existence of voids or dissolution processes can affect the stability of structures. The absence of an clayey substrate rules out expansivity-related problems, the main technical constraint being the possible influence of karst on the viability and safety of foundations.