Estudio geotécnico in Sant Hipòlit de Voltregà

In Sant Hipòlit de Voltregà, white and soft expansive clays predominate, covering close to 87.5% of the surface ground, while sandstone, conglomerates and flysch occur only occasionally. These clays may present a limited bearing capacity and are generally impermeable, which affects both the choice of the foundation system and the management of groundwater in the design of building and infrastructure projects. Low permeability can lead to water accumulation at the surface and difficulties with drainage; these aspects must be addressed in geotechnical studies.

Seismicity in the area is very low, with only 5 recorded events in the last 30 years and a maximum magnitude of 1.6, so it does not represent a relevant factor in terms of structural design. With regard to expansivity, the dominant presence of non-clayey substrate rules out the risk arising from volumetric expansions in the subsoil. The main constraint for construction in this municipality is therefore the low bearing capacity and the impermeability of the clays; these critical aspects require a detailed geotechnical analysis before works are carried out.