Geotechnical study in Catadau

In the municipality of Catadau, formations of limestones, dolomites and marbles prevail, accounting for more than 66 % of the substrate. These materials, generally with high compactness and strength, give the ground a very good bearing capacity, which makes it easier to adopt direct foundation solutions. However, fine sands, silts and deposits of gravel and compact sands are also present in smaller proportions, which may require specific checks in the characterisation of the ground depending on the particular area of the project. Very rarely, gypsum, anhydrite and salts appear, maintaining a secondary role in the overall behaviour of the soil, although they always require consideration due to the potential risk of dissolution.

Seismicity in Catadau is very low, with only 8 events in the last thirty years and a maximum magnitude of 3.2, so the seismic influence on structural design is insignificant. The substrate is not clayey, thereby ruling out the presence of risks from expansive soils. It is crucial to take into account the possible presence of karst in the carbonate rocks before considering the foundation, since the existence of cavities or zones of dissolution may severely affect the stability and bearing capacity of the structures, constituting the main factor to be studied in any geotechnical study in the area.