Geotechnical study in Cárcheles

In Cárcheles, the geological subsoil is dominated by hard materials such as limestones, dolomites and marbles, which provides excellent conditions for bearing capacity and allows for direct or shallow foundations, provided that the continuity and condition of the rock mass are verified. Sandstones, conglomerates and flysch are also observed in smaller proportions, together with occasional episodes of gypsum, anhydrite and salts, and a limited presence of hard clays and marls, which rarely affects overall stability. The presence of gypsum and salts introduces a potential risk of dissolution, which may compromise the durability of foundations if the appropriate precautions are not taken.

The seismicity in Cárcheles is moderate, with a total of 11 events over 30 years and a maximum magnitude of 3.3, so although it is not the main conditioning factor, it must be taken into account in the geotechnical study. On the other hand, the existence of karstic environments in the limestone bedrock requires specific investigation to rule out or characterise underground cavities before carrying out the foundation work. The non-clayey subsoil eliminates the risk of expansiveness, with the main conditioning factor being the need to analyse the presence of karst and dissolution episodes associated with gypsum in order to guarantee the structural safety and durability of the building.