Continuing the inspection of the technical condition of multi-apartment residential buildings built during the Soviet period, the Ministry of Economics, in cooperation with experienced construction specialists, inspected mechanical strength and stability of structure of multi-apartment residential buildings of series 602. As before, typical solutions are also offered to restore the mechanical strength and stability of structures of the buildings where necessary.
The study was performed for 18 multi-apartment buildings of this series – 15 nine-storey and 3 six-storey buildings in Jelgava, Ogre, Salaspils and Riga districts in Imanta, Plavnieki and Darzciems. The study was performed for buildings which were commissioned between 1974 and 2006.
During the inspection, the technical condition of the foundations and base of the inspected buildings of series 602 has been evaluated as meeting the requirements for mechanical strength and stability of the buildings. The condition of the inspected load-bearing walls and basements, intermediate and attic ceilings was also evaluated as satisfactory and meeting the requirements for mechanical strength and stability. Overall, the buildings of series 602 are in satisfactory technical condition and it is safe to operate the buildings.
A pre-emergency condition of building roof deck plates was stated in two buildings during the inspection. Insecurity and non-compliances of balcony bearing structures, as well as damage and deformation of elements were also stated.
Defects, deficiencies and damage stated during the inspection are due to poor quality construction works performed, unsuccessful project solutions for building envelope structures (external walls, balconies, loggias). Similarly, climatic conditions have an increased impact on the development of damage in inadequately designed elements produced in poor quality. The condition of buildings is also affected by the lack of timely visual and technical inspection during the period of operation of buildings, failure to timely identify indications of possible negative changes or the consequences of changes.
Technical inspection of roof deck and roof support structures with detailed assessment of technical condition should be carried out as soon as possible for all buildings with balconies to improve the technical condition of the buildings and for the safe continuation of their operation. After the assessment of balconies, surfaces of sheets should be restored and protected from the effects of climatic factors, or sheets and enclosing screens should be dismantled and new elements should be constructed.
To reduce the costs of these works for residents, the Ministry of Economics offers standard solutions for strengthening assemblies of load-bearing structures. Due to the structural deficiencies of the project and inaccurate assembly works, typical solutions have been developed for securing roof deck sheets of buildings with balconies and roof structure without a drain. Solutions are also provided for the reconstruction of balconies to prevent pre-emergency situations and their occurrence, as well as to ensure the mechanical strength and stability of the building. For example, it is possible to construct French-style balconies instead of the balconies of the existing structure, which is the fastest and cheapest solution.
Detailed results of the inspection of mechanical strength and stability of multi-apartment residential buildings of series 602 and 602.P can be found on the website of the Ministry of Economics.
To ascertain the technical condition of the existing residential stock by 2025 the Ministry of Economics is planning to inspect mechanical strength and stability of all multi-apartment residential buildings.
In 2023, buildings of series 316 and 318 and, in 2024, buildings of series 104 and 119 are expected to be inspected.
As it is known, balconies of multi-apartment residential buildings of series 316 and 318 were inspected and typical solutions for their restoration were developed, as well as buildings of series 464, 467A and 103 were inspected in previous years.
The results of inspections performed in the previous years are available on the website of the Ministry of Economics.