Geotechnical study in Monterrubio de la Serena

In Monterrubio de la Serena, substrates of slates and schists predominate: metamorphic materials with very low permeability and a high degree of compaction, providing a good bearing capacity for conventional foundations. The occasional presence of compact gravels and sands also offers favourable options for support, while hard clays and marls, although overconsolidated, may present adequate strength, avoiding pathologies associated with soft soils. Significant levels of granite and igneous rocks further reinforce the positive geotechnical context, reducing the risk of differential settlements.

Seismic action in the area is very low, with scarcely 4 events in 30 years and a maximum magnitude of 3, so seismicity does not represent a relevant constraint in structural design. There are no records of karst nor any indications of significant expansivity, since the dominant substrate is not clayey. Therefore, the main focus during the geotechnical study should be on identifying any possible superficial groundwater levels associated with the low permeability, verifying the absence of saturated soils that could affect the stability of the foundations.