Geotechnical study in Peñaflor

In Peñaflor, the subsoil is dominated by the presence of water-bearing masses and formations of limestones, dolomites and marbles, together with compact gravels and sands. These conditions favour good bearing capacity in areas of granular soils and compact rocks, facilitating options for shallow foundations in most cases. The formations present are usually of low permeability, although they may host small shallow aquifers. Particular care should be taken to avoid direct foundation bearing on layers of fine sands, silts or, on the occasional basis, on white expansive clays, although their presence is infrequent.

Seismicity in Peñaflor is very low, with only around 6 events recorded over 30 years and a maximum magnitude of 1.8, so it does not constitute a relevant limiting factor for structural design. There is no evidence of karst developments or of soils with a risk of expansivity, since the substratum is not predominantly clayey. Therefore, the main geotechnical consideration will be the proper characterisation of the groundwater level and the identification of locally less competent layers before carrying out the foundation.