Geotechnical study in Montejícar

The geotechnical setting of Montejícar is defined mainly by the presence of limestones, dolomites and marbles, which occupy almost 60% of the substrate and favour a good bearing capacity for most foundations. The occasional presence of fine sands, silts, sandstones, conglomerates and flysch introduces some additional nuances, but in general these materials provide suitable conditions for supporting structural loads. The existence, although infrequent, of gypsum, anhydrite and salts may represent a potential risk of dissolution that is recommended to be analysed in specific ground investigation studies.

With regard to geotechnical dynamics, Montejícar has very low seismicity (4 events in 30 years with a Mmax of 2.1), which reduces the need for special measures for earthquake-resistant design. A non-clayey substrate rules out expansivity risks, but, given the karstified nature of the carbonate formations, the verification of karst cavities must be compulsory before defining any type of foundation. The main threat to be assessed is the possibility of karst processes or dissolution in areas with gypsum, conditioning the feasibility and the type of intervention required.