In order to build an industrial building, it is essential that the ground meets certain characteristics to ensure the safety, stability and efficiency of the structure. These are some of the main ones:

Adequate bearing capacity:

  • The soil must be able to support the loads of the building, including those of the equipment, machinery, vehicles and the structure itself. This is assessed by geotechnical studies that determine the strength and bearing capacity of the soil.
  • If the soil does not have sufficient bearing capacity, ground improvement works (compaction, backfilling, special foundations) may be necessary.

2. Stability:

  • The soil must be stable and not prone to differential settlement, slippage or displacement. Soils such as expansive clays can cause problems due to volume changes with moisture.

3. Drainage and water table:

  • Drainage is essential to avoid the accumulation of water that could affect the stability of the building. The water table (depth to groundwater) must be low enough so as not to interfere with the foundations.
  • In case of high water tables, drainage systems or special foundations may be necessary.

4. Compaction:

  • A well-compacted soil is essential to provide a solid foundation. In loose or poorly compacted soils, differential settlement can occur, which could lead to cracking or even collapse of the structure.

5. Topography:

  • The slope of the land must be adequate to facilitate the natural drainage of water and avoid the accumulation of water in the building.
  • Very steep or uneven terrain may require significant earthworks, increasing preparation costs.

6. Absence of expansive or unstable materials:

  • Soils with a high concentration of expansive clay or organic materials are not recommended without significant intervention, since they can undergo large variations in volume, affecting the structure.

7. Seismic conditions:

  • In seismic zones, the soil must be able to resist seismic forces without significant deformation. Earthquake engineering techniques should be considered in the foundation if necessary.

8. Accessibility and logistics:

  • Although not a purely geotechnical feature, it is important that the terrain allows easy access for construction machinery, and that the location is logistical for the use of the industrial building.

Geotechnical study:

Before starting any construction project, a geotechnical study should be carried out to determine all these characteristics and allow for the proper design of the building’s foundation and structure. These considerations ensure that the industrial building will be safe and efficient in the long term, avoiding structural problems and cost overruns due to poor soil conditions.