Geotechnical study in Honrubia

In the municipality of Honrubia, sandstones, conglomerates and flysch predominate, occasionally accompanied by limestones, dolomites and marbles. These materials usually provide adequate bearing capacity, with certain differences depending on the degree of consolidation and compaction. The frequent presence of gypsum, anhydrite and salts presents a potential risk of dissolution, especially in areas where these minerals crop out or are found at shallow depth. It is essential to avoid direct foundations on water bodies and to control the depth of the groundwater table, as the generally low permeability can conceal deeper aquifers that may influence the geotechnical behaviour of the ground.

As regards seismicity, Honrubia records 40 events over 30 years, with a maximum magnitude of 4.1, which corresponds to a moderate level of seismic activity that must be taken into account in the structural calculations. The non-clayey substratum rules out expansiveness risks, but the possible existence of karst processes, given the presence of limestones and dolomites, recommends verifying the karst specifically before defining the foundation solution. Thus, the main precaution is to investigate possible karst cavities and the effects of gypsum dissolution, which are key aspects for a geotechnical study in this locality.