Geotechnical study in Villaviciosa de Córdoba

In Villaviciosa de Córdoba, the ground is composed mostly of slates and schists, accompanied by significant proportions of granite, gneiss and other igneous rocks, which provides a robust base for shallow or deep foundations, depending on the project. To a lesser extent, carbonate soils appear such as limestones, dolomites and marbles, and in very specific cases, silts and peats, which must never be chosen as a founding level due to their low bearing capacity and high compressibility.

Seismicity in the municipality is moderate, with 13 events over the last 30 years and a maximum magnitude below 4, so the seismic requirements for structural design will be limited. However, the presence of calcareous formations makes it necessary to check for the possible existence of karst phenomena before defining the foundation, as these can affect stability. The subsoil is not clayey, ruling out the issue of expansiveness; the critical factor to be analysed locally is the possible presence of karst cavities in limestone areas.