Geotechnical study in Bétera

In Bétera, it is common to find a dominant substrate made up of limestones, dolomites and marbles, which ensures a competent soil with high bearing capacity and suitable for shallow foundations. In addition, there are intervals of fine sands and silts that may determine localised points of lower capacity, but overall these materials exhibit good stability. The occasional presence of expansive white or soft clays requires special control in those plots where they are identified, although at a global level the non-clayey substrate minimises the risks associated with expansiveness. Extensive and highly permeable aquifers may also favour certain drainage alternatives or foundation systems.

Seismic activity in Bétera is very low, with only one recorded event in the last 30 years and a maximum magnitude of 1.5, so the seismic influence on structural design is practically negligible. Nevertheless, the predominant nature of the carbonate soils (limestones and dolomites) implies that the possible existence of karst processes must be checked before any foundation project, since the presence of cavities or natural dissolutions can seriously affect the safety of the structural base and constitutes the main geotechnical constraint in the municipality.