Geotechnical study in Carmona

In the municipality of Carmona, the geological subsoil is mainly composed of fine sands and silts, together with a significant presence of limestones, dolomites and marbles. These materials present variable conditions for foundations: the fine and silty sands require a detailed assessment of their bearing capacity, while the levels of limestone and dolomite usually provide a more stable and resistant base, suitable for direct supports or strip footings. The compact gravels and sands, although less frequent, offer good mechanical properties when present. Attention should be paid to the location of shallow aquifers, as certain areas may exhibit locally high permeability, affecting possible drainage solutions or the stability of excavations.

As regards seismicity, Carmona records moderate seismic activity, with ten events in the last thirty years and a reported maximum magnitude of 3.6, which does not imply severe structural constraints for construction, but does require verification in accordance with current regulations. The risk from expansivity is zero, since the subsoil is not clayey, eliminating this concern for the design of foundations. The main aspect to consider in geotechnical studies for the area is related to the heterogeneity of the materials, so it is essential to properly characterise the bearing stratum and its hydraulic behaviour.