Geotechnical study in Sort

In the municipality of Sort, the geotechnical substrate is mainly dominated by slates and schists, accompanied in significant proportions by overconsolidated clays and marls of high hardness. These lithologies, with low to very low permeability, typically offer a notable bearing capacity for shallow foundations, although the local presence of shallow aquifers may require a detailed assessment of hydric stability. Due to their overconsolidated state, the hard clays tend to stabilise the foundation; however, the local moisture conditions and the presence of joints or planes of weakness in the rock must be analysed case by case.

Seismicity in Sort is moderate, with 38 events recorded over 30 years and a maximum magnitude of 3.3, which implies a limited influence but one that can be considered for sensitive structures. The risk of expansivity is ruled out by the predominance of a non-clayey substrate. It is essential to investigate the possible existence of karst-related phenomena in the area before carrying out any foundation work, since dissolution can generate unforeseen instabilities. The main focus of the geotechnical study must be on characterising the rock and carrying out a thorough assessment of cavities associated with karst.