Geotechnical study in Santa Pola

In Santa Pola, the dominant subsoil is made up of fine sands and silts, which notably influences the bearing capacity of the ground. Although these materials generally exhibit good mechanical behaviour under densified conditions, they may show some compressibility and variation in shear strength depending on their degree of consolidation and moisture content. Limestones, dolomites and marbles, although present in small proportions, contribute to localised areas with greater stiffness and load-bearing capacity, whereas the presence of water masses indicates the existence of shallow groundwater levels or zones at risk of saturation. This context requires careful consideration during the foundation design phase, prioritising solutions that minimise settlement and ensure stability in relatively loose and poorly cohesive soils.

The seismicity recorded in Santa Pola is very low, with only 8 events in the last 30 years and a maximum magnitude of 3.2, which does not represent a significant constraint for structural design. However, as the municipality lies on formations with a possible presence of karst, it is essential to verify the existence of cavities or dissolution zones in the limestones before carrying out any foundation work, as these could affect ground stability. In addition, the subsoil is not clayey, which eliminates the risk of expansivity associated with clayey soils. The main aspect to be controlled in local geotechnical studies is therefore the possible presence of karst-related phenomena that could affect the safety and durability of the foundations.