Geotechnical study in Yátova

In Yátova, the geological substrate is dominated by the presence of limestones, dolomites and marbles, accounting for more than 60% of the ground, which directly influences the soil’s bearing capacity. These rock materials, although generally of low permeability at the surface, can host aquifers at depth and offer excellent performance from a foundation point of view due to their strength and stability. Occasional formations of sandstones and conglomerates provide lithological variability, while the presence of gypsum, anhydrite and salts implies a risk of dissolution that must be assessed especially in deep foundation projects.

The area shows very low seismicity, with only 4 events over 30 years and a maximum magnitude of 2.2, so it does not represent a relevant limitation for structural design. The absence of expansive clays in the substrate rules out problems associated with soil expansivity; however, the existence of karst processes in the carbonate formations requires a detailed verification prior to any type of foundation, this being the main geotechnical constraint for new developments in the municipality.