Restoration of serviceability of bases and foundations in the Arctic zone and permafrost zone of Russia

Introduction. The key reason for the deterioration of housing stock and production assets in the Arctic zone and the permafrost zone of Russia lies in deformation induced by changes in the mechanical properties of permafrost soils. These changes are exacerbated by the impact of global warming. The Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring reported in 2023 that the air temperature rose by 0.5 °C per decade. Such processes necessitate the development and implementation of measures to enhance the construction properties of building bases and foundations. Aim. To develop measures for restoring the serviceability of bases and foundations of buildings and structures in the areas of permafrost soils. Materials and methods. Theoretical studies were based on a review and analysis of contemporary scientific, technical, regulatory, and methodological literature concerning soil stabilization and foundation reinforcement, as well as archival data on the causes of base and foundation deformations. Results. The advantages, disadvantages, and areas of application of existing methods are presented. Promising technologies requiring further investigation are identified, including electrochemical thawing and consolidation of soils, injection and jet grouting as well as the use of bored cast-in-situ and augercast piles for foundation reinforcement. The study outlines the results of generalization and analysis of research and development work on inspection and monitoring of the technical condition of critical buildings and structures in the cities of nine regions that are part of the Arctic zone of Russia (Murmansk Region, Republic of Karelia, Arkhangelsk Region, Komi Republic, Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Krasnoyarsk Territory, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), and Chukotka Autonomous Okrug). Conclusions. The literature analysis underlay the development of measures for restoring the serviceability of bases and foundations of buildings and structures in the Arctic zone of Russia. These measures include general provisions, recommendations for assessing the technical condition of buildings and systems for thermal stabilization of soils, engineering surveys during reconstruction, foundation reinforcement, soil stabilization at their bases, monitoring of reconstructed buildings, and quality control of work performed.