Geotechnical study in Trápaga-Trapagaran Valley

In Valle de Trápaga-Trapagaran, formations of limestones, dolomites and marbles predominate. These competent materials provide a high bearing capacity and, in most cases, allow shallow foundations to be considered. The limited presence of fine sands, silts and urban anthropogenic fill suggests the need to correctly characterise these strata when they are encountered, since their heterogeneity can influence ground behaviour. The low percentage of water content and the general impermeability of the materials limit the effects of groundwater during typical construction processes.

The level of seismicity in the municipality is notable, with 94 events recorded over the last three decades, although the maximum magnitude (Mmax 3.7) remains at moderate values and does not require special structural considerations for seismic resistance. As the substrate is non-clayey, the risk of expansiveness is ruled out, which facilitates the execution of projects without restrictive conditions associated with swelling. However, the karstic nature of the carbonate materials requires that the stability and the existence of voids be checked rigorously before founding, this being the main geotechnical constraint in the area.