Geotechnical study in Oviedo

In the municipality of Oviedo, the geotechnical substrate is dominated by the presence of limestones, dolomites and marbles, occasionally accompanied by fine sands, silts, slates, schists, sandstones, conglomerates and flysch. These lithologies often exhibit an adequate bearing capacity for construction, although limited permeability is present in most of the materials. This results in a low risk of deep seepage, but the possible presence of shallow aquifers at certain elevations. These geological conditions have traditionally favoured direct foundations, provided that the founding level lies on competent ground free from decomposition.

Seismic activity in Oviedo is notable, with 83 recorded events over 30 years, although its maximum magnitude (Mmax 2) lies within low ranges and therefore does not impose special requirements in structural design from the seismic point of view. In this context, the main geotechnical constraint lies in the karst-prone nature of the area, associated with the dominant carbonate materials: it is essential to verify the existence of cavities or dissolution before any foundation approach, in order to avoid delayed settlements or collapses. The non-clayey substrate, for its part, rules out the risk due to expansivity.