Geotechnical study in Capdepera

In Capdepera, soils are predominantly composed of mainly gypsum, anhydrite and salts, together with limestones, dolomites and marbles. These lithologies impose special conditions for foundations, since, in addition to the risk of dissolution in the gypsum and salts, carbonated formations are also present which, by their nature, can provide good bearing capacity, although they require a detailed study of heterogeneities and the presence of voids. The smaller deposits of fine sands, silts and compact gravels offer limited support options, while the presence of expansive clays is very minor and, therefore, not very relevant in the overall context of the municipality.

Seismic activity in the area is moderate, with 24 events over 30 years and a maximum recorded magnitude of 3.2, which means that the seismic influence is low but worth checking depending on the type of structure being designed. It is essential to consider the presence of karst in the subsoil, especially due to the possible existence of cavities and dissolution processes in gypsum and limestones, which requires precise verification before proposing any foundation. The non-clayey substratum avoids the risk of expansivity, placing the main geotechnical constraint on susceptibility to karstic and dissolution processes.