Geotechnical study in Simat de la Valldigna

In Simat de la Valldigna, the predominant substrate is composed of limestones, dolomites and marbles, accounting for more than 69% of the materials outcropping in the area. These soils, due to their rocky and compact nature, offer excellent bearing capacity and allow direct or semi-deep foundations to be executed with good results, although it is essential to analyse the possible presence of gravel, sands and, to a lesser extent, soft soils such as silts and peats, which are problematic for foundations and must be avoided as a bearing stratum because of their low strength and high compressibility. In addition, the occasional occurrence of gypsum, anhydrite and salts determines the need to assess the risk of dissolution in order to prevent unwanted settlement.

From the seismic point of view, Simat de la Valldigna shows very low activity, with only two events in the last three decades and a low maximum magnitude, so seismicity does not constitute a relevant constraint in structural design. Given the predominance of carbonate rock, it is essential to check the risk of karst processes before foundation works, since the presence of voids could affect the stability and uniformity of the ground. Finally, the non-clayey substrate rules out the risk of expansivity, placing the possible existence of karst and the dissolution of salts as the key factors to be assessed in any local geotechnical study.