Geotechnical study in Sanchonuño

In Sanchonuño, the predominant subsoil is formed by compact gravels and sands, representing the great majority of the soils in the area. These formations, with low permeability at the surface though they may host significant aquifers at depth, generally provide good bearing capacity, suitable for the direct foundation of medium-sized buildings, provided that compaction is verified and that there are no unstable or collapsible layers. The occasional presence of masses of water requires paying attention to the groundwater levels, particularly in projects involving deep excavation.

With seismicity characterised by 200 events in the last 30 years and a maximum recorded magnitude of 4.7, it is necessary to incorporate the seismic actions into the structural calculations and sizing. The risk arising from the expansiveness of clays in Sanchonuño is low, since expansive clays only occur in a subordinate manner and, if they are present, it is in climatic contexts that do not favour their activity. The main geotechnical constraint in this municipality is therefore the need for an appropriate study of seismicity and of water levels at depth.