Geotechnical study in Save, A

In the municipality of Guarda, the predominant substrate is formed by phyllites and schists—metamorphic materials with low permeability and very good compactness. This type of soil generally offers high bearing capacities and excellent stability for the foundations of structures. The overall impermeability of these formations implies that, although small shallow aquifers may exist in altered areas, they do not pose significant risks due to water flow or the decomposition of materials, allowing the execution of direct foundations safely and with reduced ground improvement requirements.

The seismic activity recorded in the area is moderate, with 47 events in the last 30 years and a maximum magnitude of 2,9, which does not represent a relevant constraint for geotechnical structural design. The absence of karst and the fact that the substrate is not clayey rule out the presence of risks associated with dissolution processes or expansivity. Therefore, the main factor to take into account in Guarda is the hard, compact nature of the substrate, which enables the design of conventional foundations without special requirements.