Risks of the soil foundations stability losses of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Dormition Cathedral due to the urban activities

Research reveals that the soil foundations of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra's Dormition Cathedral are experiencing instability, primarily due to overmoistening. This has led to deformations in the cathedral's structural elements since 2016, particularly in its northeastern part and basement premises. Numerical analysis using PLAXIS software identified plastic deformation zones, indicating that these deformations are still in a stage of incomplete stabilization. The study suggests that urban activities, such as flooding of underground parts, are the main factors contributing to this instability. While the impact of blast waves is not ruled out, further vibration monitoring is required for confirmation. The research proposes improved protection management measures to mitigate these risks.

Kril, T. V., & Cherevko, I. A. (2024). Risks of the soil foundations stability losses of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Dormition Cathedral due to the urban activities. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1415(1), 12111. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1415/1/012111