Geotechnical study in Valdelacalzada

In Valdelacalzada, the subsoil is composed mainly of compact gravel and sand, which make up more than 70% of the ground and favour a high bearing capacity, facilitating shallow foundations and simplifying the usual geotechnical works. On the other hand, the occasional presence of fine sands and silts may create localised areas with higher compressibility, which must be taken into account in the design phase. It is also worth noting that there are extensive, highly productive aquifers in the area, providing significant permeability that conditions both the foundation and any nearby underground intervention close to the water table, especially near masses of water detected.

From the point of view of seismic hazard, Valdelacalzada shows very low seismicity, with hardly any recorded event every 30 years and a very low maximum magnitude (Mmax 1.7), so this factor is practically negligible in structural design. There are no problems of karstification. Nevertheless, special attention should be paid to the localised presence of expansive clays, whose shrink-swell behaviour can severely affect the stability of foundations in specific climatic zones. Therefore, the main geotechnical constraint in Valdelacalzada is the risk associated with expansive clays in certain areas, which requires specific geotechnical studies to ensure the reliability of the works.