Geotechnical study in Loiu

In Loiu, limestones, dolomites and marbles predominate as substrata, accompanied in frequency by sandstones, conglomerates and flysch. These stony materials exhibit good bearing capacity and usually allow the execution of shallow (direct) foundations under favourable conditions. The marginal presence of fine sands, silts and anthropogenic fill should be taken into account, as they may represent locally less competent zones and influence the selection of the foundation type in specific plots.

The municipality’s seismic activity reaches a total of 94 events over 30 years with a maximum magnitude of 3.7, placing it at a level of notable seismicity, although the observed magnitude does not require strict criteria for earthquake-resistant design. On the other hand, Loiu’s non-clayey substratum rules out the existence of expansivity risks in the ground; the main geotechnical constraint is the potential local lithological variability and the need to analyse the continuity of the competent materials beneath the footprint of the buildings.