Geotechnical study in Torrente de Cinca

In Torrente de Cinca, rocky materials such as limestones, dolomites and marbles predominate, representing more than 60% of the subsurface, which provides excellent bearing capacity and makes it easier to select either shallow or deep direct foundations depending on the presence of compact layers. It is important to note that, in smaller proportions, there are gravels, compact sands and some levels of gypsum, anhydrite or salts, as well as small areas occupied by fine sands, silts and organic soils (deltaic muds and peats); the latter are not suitable as a bearing level due to their low geotechnical competence.

Seismic activity in the area is high, with more than 150 events over the last 30 years and a considerable maximum magnitude (Mmax 4.8), so structural design must incorporate earthquake-resistant criteria. There are no significant indications of karstification or of expansive clays, since the dominant substratum is non-clayey, which rules out that specific risk. However, the local presence of gypsum and salts implies assessing the potential for dissolution in specific locations. The main factor conditioning geotechnical studies in Torrente de Cinca is therefore the high seismicity and the possible interaction with gypsum outcrops.