Modernization of large-panel houses in Vilnius

Abstract

Large-panel dwelling houses still are one of the most popular dwelling houses in Vilnius. Taking into account that technical, economic and comfort characteristics of large-panel houses designed in soviet times did not meet the requirements of the people of Lithuania which was going to become a member-state of the European Union, their construction was stopped in 2000. Theoretically calculated service life of load-bearing structures of large-panel dwelling houses is 125 years and 20-50 years for enclosures and other elements. The examination of load-bearing structures of large-panel houses in Vilnius showed that their deterioration was 10÷30 %. This implies that these structures are in a fairly good state to be further employed and the houses can be renovated. This cannot, however, be stated about roof covering, balconies, cornices, parapets, joints between panels, surface finishing and staircases of the houses which are worn-out and need to be repaired or completely renovated. Having aim to ensure the required comfort level in the premises and to reduce heat losses, it was decided to increase the insulation of the basement, external walls, the roof and to replace windows, balconies’ and entrance doors. Besides, all balconies had to be turned into wide glazed loggias. The renovated large-panel house looks differently and is much more attractive. Full-scale tests conducted with the help of the laboratory equipment had shown that comfort characteristics in test houses after modernization become significantly higher and meet the requirements of the Hygienic Standard HN 42:2004.