Geotechnical study in Torelló

In Torelló, white and soft expansive clays predominate, followed by sandstones, conglomerates and flysch, while compact gravels and sands appear only in specific places. This composition implies variable bearing capacity: although the coarse formations provide good strength, the majority presence of soft clays requires particular attention to differential settlement and to the appropriate selection of the foundation type, since these materials tend to deform under load.

Seismicity in Torelló is very low, with just 5 events in the last 30 years and a maximum magnitude of 1.6, which minimises the need for seismic constraints in structural design. In addition, the presence of a non-clayey substratum rules out the risk of significant expansivity, facilitating decision-making regarding foundations. Thus, the main aspect to control will be the heterogeneity of the layers and the behaviour of the soft clays under load.