Geotechnical study in Vandellòs i l'Hospitalet de l'Infant

In Vandellòs i l'Hospitalet de l'Infant, the subsurface is dominated mainly by formations of limestones, dolomites and marbles, accompanied by significant proportions of gypsum, anhydrite, salts, and deposits of gravels and compact sands. These materials, mostly of low permeability though they may locally present shallow aquifers, generally offer good bearing capacity for both shallow and deep foundations, although the presence of gypsum and salts implies a dissolution risk that must be evaluated in detail. It is essential to avoid founding on levels affected by this phenomenon and to determine with precision the most suitable founding depth to ensure structural stability.

Seismicity within the municipality is moderate, with 15 recorded events over the last 30 years and a maximum magnitude of 3.2, which represents a low risk for structural design. The non-clayey substrate rules out any possible expansiveness; however, the frequent presence of materials that are susceptible to karstification, such as limestones and gypsum, requires an exhaustive geotechnical study prior to any foundation project, this being the main conditioning factor for the safe development of buildings in the area.