Geotechnical study in La Solana

In La Solana, the predominant geotechnical substrate is mainly made up of limestones, dolomites and marbles, accounting for 65.7% of the municipality’s soils. These rocky materials generally provide a high bearing capacity and are suitable for shallow (direct) foundations. Smaller areas of fine sands, silts and soils containing occasional occurrences of gypsum and salts can also be found, which may show a certain sensitivity to dissolution. The soil spectrum also includes overconsolidated clays and marls, although infrequently, and small bodies of groundwater that must be identified in order to avoid founding on unsuitable materials.

As for geotechnical risks, La Solana shows high seismic activity with 200 events over the last 30 years and a maximum magnitude of 5.1, so seismicity must be integrated into the structural design of any building. Although there are formations of gypsum, anhydrite and salts occurring occasionally, the overall substrate does not present expansivity risks because it is not clayey. The occasional presence of soluble materials requires a detailed characterisation of the bearing layers to prevent dissolution-related problems. The main geotechnical factor to consider in the area is the high level of seismicity, which directly affects foundation solutions and structural design.