Geotechnical study in Palenciana

In Palenciana, the subsurface is dominated by sandstones, conglomerates and flysch, representing more than half of the materials present; this is added to by fine sands and silts in significant amounts. These materials generally provide favourable behaviour for shallow foundation construction due to their compactness and bearing capacity, with the exception of limited areas where loose sediments may predominate or where they are close to masses of water. The presence of limestones, dolomites and marbles is rare, but it should not be ruled out in specific interventions, as should any possible shallow aquifers associated with these lithologies, whose control is important for the design of the foundation.

Seismic activity in Palenciana totals 54 events over the last 30 years, with a maximum recorded magnitude of 4.6, which means that seismicity must be taken into account during the structural design phase. In addition, there is a susceptibility to karstification in the municipality; therefore, before building on the ground it is essential to verify the absence of cavities or voids at depth in order to avoid possible damage. The non-clayey substrate rules out risks associated with expansive soils, with seismicity and the possible presence of karst being the most relevant factors to consider in any geotechnical study in the area.