Geotechnical study in La Oliva

In the municipality of La Oliva, the predominant substrate is made up largely of white or soft expansive clays, accompanied by fine sands and silts, which implies a certain variability in the bearing capacity of the soils. These materials, generally of low permeability, can present difficulties for foundation design, particularly when clays predominate, as they offer limited strength and require specific technical solutions to prevent differential settlement. Occasional formations of limestones, dolomites and marbles can improve conditions in specific locations, but their intermittent presence does not ensure a uniform base.

Seismicity in La Oliva is very low, with barely five events in the last thirty years and a low maximum magnitude, which minimises the influence of this factor on structural design. However, since karstification is associated with calcareous formations, it is essential to investigate the possible presence of cavities or dissolution before laying foundations, as these phenomena may be the main geotechnical constraint in the area. In addition, the non-clayey substrate rules out the risk of significant expansivity in most zones, focusing attention on the control and verification of the karstic ground.