Geotechnical study in Sabero

In the municipality of Sabero, slate and schistose materials predominate. These provide, in general, a competent substrate in terms of bearing capacity, although they exhibit low permeability. Interbedded deposits of deltaic muds and peats are common; due to their compressibility and low strength, they should not be considered suitable for direct support of foundations. The calcareous formations present in smaller proportions may induce locally heterogeneous conditions, increasing the need for a detailed assessment in order to determine the optimum depth of founding and the most appropriate foundation type.

Seismic activity in Sabero is very low, with only 5 recorded events over 30 years and a maximum magnitude of 1.7, indicating a low seismic risk for structural design. Nevertheless, the occasional presence of limestones and dolomites requires verification of karst before carrying out any foundation, given the possible development of cavities and related subsidence. In addition, as there are no expansive clays and no soils with a high content of gypsum or salts, the main geotechnical constraint is to rule out the presence of soft materials such as muds or peats in the founding levels and to assess the risk of karstification.