Geotechnical study in El Castillo de las Guardas

At El Castillo de las Guardas, the geological substrate is dominated by granites, gneisses and other igneous rocks, which provides a very competent foundation for building and infrastructure projects. As these materials are massive and have low surface weathering, they exhibit high bearing capacity and are suitable for shallow foundations once the absence of any significant alteration layers has been verified. The low permeability of these soils implies careful management of surface drainage, but it reduces the risk of significant differential settlement.

The seismicity recorded in the area is very low, with only about 1 event in 30 years and a maximum magnitude of 1.7, so seismic risk does not constrain structural design. As the substrate is purely rocky and not clayey, any risk from expansivity is also ruled out, allowing conventional foundations to be designed without special requirements relating to volumetric movements. The main geotechnical constraint in the area is the quality of the rock and the need to ensure appropriate excavations in these hard materials.