Geotechnical study in Castelló d'Empúries

In Castelló d'Empúries, fine sands and silts predominate, accounting for more than 60% of the identified soils, which suggests a generally cohesive medium of low strength and intermediate bearing capacity. The significant presence of deltaic muds and peats advises extreme caution, as these materials are not suitable as a direct support level for conventional foundations due to their low consolidation and high compressibility. To a lesser extent, sandstones, conglomerates and flysch occur, which may provide better mechanical conditions when they crop out or are reached beneath the ground surface.

Seismic activity in the area is very low, with only about 8 registered events over 30 years and a low maximum magnitude (Mmax 2.4), so seismic risk is practically negligible for structural design. There is no risk of expansivity, as the substrate is not clayey. No karstification phenomena are observed in the municipality’s soils either. As a fundamental constraint for geotechnical studies in Castelló d'Empúries, the need to avoid the mud and peat layers for foundation support stands out, with in-depth investigations recommended until more competent soils are encountered.