Geotechnical study in Montiel

In Montiel, the dominant substrate is made up of slates and schists, covering more than 75% of the surface, which provides a generally competent and low-deformability foundation for shallow foundations. The secondary presence of gypsum, anhydrite and salts, although minor, introduces certain risks of dissolution that may affect the stability of foundations if they are not correctly identified during the geotechnical study. Fine soils, such as sands and silts, are scarce and localised, and water bodies have a marginal distribution, whereas the overall ground permeability is low, positively influencing bearing capacity but requiring special control of the interaction with shallow aquifers.

As for the complementary geotechnical factors, seismicity in Montiel can be considered significant, as 66 events have been recorded over 30 years, although none has exceeded an Mmax of 4.2; therefore, the structural design should take into account some seismic action, albeit of moderate intensity. The potential development of karst-related phenomena requires detailed verification before carrying out any foundations, especially in areas where gypsum and soluble salts are detected. There is no risk of expansion, since the substrate is not clayey; therefore, the main geotechnical challenge in Montiel is associated with controlling karst and the possible dissolution of sulphates in localised areas.