Geotechnical study in Manuel

For Manuel, the dominant subsoil is composed of compact gravels and sands, complemented by a significant presence of fine sands and silts. Taken together, these materials provide the ground with adequate bearing capacity for most building projects, allowing standard shallow foundations to be adopted, provided that a good characterisation of the bearing stratum is carried out. The occasional presence of gypsum, anhydrite and salts introduces the possibility of dissolution processes; this is a factor that must be analysed through prior testing, particularly in areas with a high water table or water flow, in order to avoid problems with differential settlement.

Seismicity in the municipality of Manuel is very low, with a record of just four events over thirty years and a low maximum magnitude, so the seismic influence on structural design is practically negligible. The non-clayey subsoil also rules out any concerns relating to expansivity. The assessment of dissolution risks associated with gypsum and salts therefore represents the main local geotechnical constraint to consider for the correct selection and sizing of the foundations.