Geotechnical study in Hellín

In Hellín, carbonate materials predominate, such as limestones, dolomites and marbles, accompanied occasionally by gypsum, anhydrite, fine sands, silts and other materials of a hard nature. These subsoils provide good bearing-capacity conditions for foundations, although the local presence of gypsum, anhydrite and salts requires caution due to the risk of dissolution, which may affect the stability of supports. Areas with silts and soft materials must be assessed specifically, but the predominance of hard formations facilitates the execution of shallow or deep foundations, depending on the specific geotechnical profile of the ground.

The seismicity in Hellín is moderate, with 44 events over 30 years and a maximum recorded magnitude of 3.7, which does not require special requirements in the usual structural design, although basic consideration in sizing is required. It is essential to verify the existence and development of karst phenomena in the carbonate materials before any intervention, as they can generate cavities or unexpected subsidence. The low proportion of clayey soils and the non-clayey nature of the subsoil rule out the risk of shrink–swell (expansivity). The main geotechnical constraint for projects in Hellín are karst processes and the potential for dissolution of evaporite materials.