Estudio geotécnico in El Cerro de Andévalo

At El Cerro de Andévalo, the dominant geotechnical substrate is mainly composed of sandstones, conglomerates and flysch formations, which characterises ground of predominantly siliceous and heterogeneous nature. These lithologies generally exhibit low permeability, with a local possibility of hosting shallow aquifers due to alteration, although they usually do not represent a significant drawback for bearing capacity. Direct foundations are normally feasible, but it is essential to identify altered or loose horizons within these materials in order to optimise the construction solution and avoid differential settlements.

Seismic activity in the area is very low, with only 4 events recorded in the last 30 years with a maximum magnitude of 2.1, so seismic risk is practically negligible from a structural standpoint. There are no signs of karstification or of problems associated with expansivity, since the substrate does not contain expansive clays; thus, the main geotechnical constraint at El Cerro de Andévalo is usually linked to the location of shallow aquifers and the degree of alteration of the flysch, both of which must be checked by means of a suitable geotechnical study prior to any foundation.