Geotechnical study in Villamanrique de la Condesa

In Villamanrique de la Condesa, limestones, dolomites and marbles predominate; these are materials with a high stone-like character and good bearing capacity, accompanied by a significant proportion of fine sands and silts. This geological profile facilitates direct foundation in most cases, although the granulometric variability with the presence of sands and silts requires appropriate characterisation to avoid differential settlement problems. Extensive and highly productive aquifers indicate high permeability, so the water-soil interaction must be assessed particularly in areas close to masses of water.

The seismic hazard in the area is very low, with only a single recorded event in the last 30 years and a low maximum magnitude (Mmax 1.7), ruling out the possibility that seismicity is a relevant constraint for the geotechnical study. There are no indications of karstification. Although expansive clays occur in a subordinate manner, it is recommended to identify them locally during field investigation, especially in climatologically sensitive areas. In conclusion, the stony soils and high permeability focus attention on hydrogeological studies and on controlling fine materials at the surface.