Geotechnical study in Cabanes

In Cabanes, compacted gravel and sand soils predominate, together with fine sands and silts, both present in equal proportion and with a very frequent distribution. These formations generally provide good bearing capacity for foundations, although fine sands and silts sometimes require additional checks to ensure homogeneity and mitigate the potential for differential settlement. Aquifers may be found at deep levels, but the low permeability in the first few metres limits risks associated with the migration of surface water, which favours the stability of both shallow and deep foundations.

Seismicity in the municipality is high, with a record of 200 events over the last 30 years and a maximum magnitude of 4.7, which requires integrating seismoresistant criteria into structural design projects. In addition, there is the presence of karst in the subsurface, which makes it necessary to carry out a detailed check of cavities or dissolution before defining the foundation, to avoid hidden risks of subsidence. Since the subsoil is not clayey, the risk of expansivity is ruled out; the main precaution is therefore the verification of the karst and adapting the design to local seismic activity.