Estudio geotécnico in Motilla del Palancar

In Motilla del Palancar, the geotechnical subsoil is dominated by the presence of gypsum, anhydrite and salts, which cover more than 90% of the territory, while limestones and dolomites are very infrequent. These soils present variable bearing capacity and pose significant risks of dissolution on contact with water, affecting both ground stability and the design of foundations. In addition, the high permeability and the extensive nature of the aquifers reinforce the need for detailed studies to determine the appropriate support level and to avoid possible settlement or collapse.

From a seismic standpoint, the locality records moderate activity with 40 events over the last 30 years and a maximum magnitude of 4.1, which calls for a specific analysis to verify the structural response in the design of buildings. The absence of clayey materials in the subsoil rules out the risk of expansivity, but the presence of karst is a critical constraint, as it requires investigating and ruling out the existence of voids before any foundation work. Thus, the main focus of the geotechnical study should be on dissolution processes and the development of karst in gypsum and salts—key factors that determine the safety and feasibility of the project.