Geotechnical study in Tamarite de Litera

In Tamarite de Litera, the subsoils are predominantly sandstones, conglomerates and flysch, accompanied by locally occurring layers of fine sands, silts and, to a lesser extent, limestones, dolomites, marbles and some horizons containing gypsum and salts. Bearing capacity is usually suitable in areas dominated by granular materials, whereas clayey formations have a lower incidence and the presence of gravel and compacted sands is relatively scarce. The overall low permeability of these soils requires attention when managing drainage during foundation construction, especially in areas where shallow aquifers may be generated.

Seismicity in the municipality is moderate, with a count of 30 events over 30 years, although it does not reach magnitudes of concern for the usual structural design. The presence of carbonate formations and the occasional occurrence of gypsum, anhydrite and salts introduce the risk of dissolution and karst processes, which must be carefully verified before choosing the type of foundation, as they may lead to subsidence or instability. The absence of a clayey substrate removes the risk of expansiveness, placing karst and any possible dissolutions as the main geotechnical factors to be assessed in future construction developments.