Geotechnical study in Parcent

In Parcent, the ground is characterised primarily by the presence of limestones, dolomites and marbles—materials that make up most of the substrate and provide an excellent bearing capacity for buildings. These types of hard rock offer good conditions for shallow (direct) foundations, although locally they may alternate with fine sands, silts and units with gypsum, anhydrite and salts, where attention must be paid to possible dissolution processes and to the presence of groundwater, which may affect long-term stability.

Seismic activity in Parcent is very low, since only one event has been recorded in the last 30 years with a low maximum magnitude of 1.6, meaning the seismic risk is practically negligible. As regards the substrate characteristics, as the formations are non-clayey, the problem associated with expansivity is ruled out. Nevertheless, the presence of a karstic environment means that specific checks are required to ensure that there are no underground voids or dissolution processes before embarking on the design and construction of foundations. The main geotechnical constraint in this municipality is the possible presence of karstification and gypsum; these are crucial factors to assess in every geotechnical study.