Estudio geotécnico in El Carpio de Tajo

In El Carpio de Tajo, the dominant ground is characterised by the majority presence of water masses, with calcareous soils such as limestones, dolomites and marbles playing a secondary role. These stony materials provide good bearing capacity and are suitable for shallow or semi-deep foundations, although the presence of aquifers with moderate permeability and an irregular distribution must be assessed in order to avoid interference with the stability of the foundations. The precise location of the bearing surfaces is essential due to the local variability of the materials and the possible contact with water-bearing layers.

The municipality has high seismicity, with around 200 events in the last 30 years and an estimated maximum magnitude of 5.1, which requires incorporating seismic structural criteria into the geotechnical study. Expansive clays are present in a subordinate manner and, given the climatic conditions, the risk of expansivity is limited, although it should not be ruled out in detailed boreholes. The main geotechnical constraint therefore lies in the need to make the foundation compatible with the hydrogeological regime and to provide an adequate design against seismic actions.