Geotechnical study in Librilla

In Librilla, deposits of fine sands and silts predominate, accompanied to a lesser extent by limestones, dolomites and marbles, which implies relevant differences in terms of bearing capacity and foundation response. While fine sands and silts may exhibit medium to low compactness that requires special attention to prevent differential settlements, limestones and dolomites present good values of strength and stability and are suitable for shallow foundations if their continuity is verified and absence of alteration is confirmed. It is important to highlight that the occasional presence of gravels and compact sands improves the bearing capacity locally, although areas with groundwater flow require a detailed study to avoid problems associated with a high water table nearby.

Seismic activity in Librilla is moderate, with 26 recorded events over 30 years and a maximum magnitude of 2.9, which suggests a low incidence in the usual structural design. The non-clayey substrate rules out the issue of expansiveness, making it easier to select conventional foundation solutions. Nevertheless, the frequent presence of carbonate materials makes it necessary to rule out or confirm the existence of karst cavities as an indispensable prior step before defining the foundation, turning the potential for karst formation into the main geotechnical constraint to investigate within the municipality.