THE PROBLEM
Like other historic buildings in Riga, the Riga Cathedral rests on oak piles that were rammed into the banks of the River Daugava centuries ago. Unfortunately, in recent decades, the water table has begun to fall. This is partly due to the construction of the Riga hydroelectric power station on the Daugava River, which closes the sluices that regulate the river level seasonally and as needed. As a result, the water level in the river is uneven and the city’s surface water level is falling. Due to the severe drop in the water table, the air-locked embankments started to disintegrate, causing the building to subside. The subsidence of the large church was indicated by the large cracks in the walls, and it was only a matter of time before major renovation work was needed.
WORK PROCESS WITH URETEK TECHNOLOGY
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia turned to the URETEK team for consultation on alternative options. During the trial, URETEK technology was used to inject a geopolymer reservoir 4 metres below the building, which compacted the soil around the piles. This stopped the building from subsiding further, thus preserving the great church for future generations. In addition to further soil conservation, the geopolymer created a protective layer around the still undecomposed piles to preserve their original support structure.
As the church is built on the site of a former cemetery, there are many human remains under the building that need to be protected and preserved.
As the URETEK method is the most non-destructive way of intervening in the environment surrounding the work area, it was decided to carry out this work using URETEK.
THE RESULT
The Riga Cathedral was a unique project for URETEK Baltic OÜ, as the cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and subsequent soil density tests proved that the trial was a success.
When it comes to the subsidence of historic buildings, URETEK solution is the first choice. The reason is simple: it does not generate vibrations, it does not endanger the surrounding historic houses and it does not interfere with the residential and commercial activities in the building.
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“Thank you very much for solving my problem and for your patient communication.”
Urve
Jõgeva county, Estonia
“Super positive experience from the first contact. The young men behaved very politely and correctly from start to finish. Good luck for the future and keep up the good quality.”
Mairi
Tallinn, Estonia
“Excellent service and all the work completed as planned. The concrete floor of our warehouse was raised to the designed height in one day and we did not have to stop the work of the employees in any way. We really recommend.”
Toomas
Tallinn, Estonia
“Thank you for your work. Of course I will recommend you to others because I liked the service and attitude you offered.”
Ainis
Baloži, Latvia
“We received a very complete and detailed consultation regarding the subsidence of our house. They are professionals in their field. Excellent job. Thank you.”
Violeta
Panevėžys, Lithuania
“We were concerned about cracks in our house. We contacted URETEK and received a pleasant and detailed consultation. Very professional approach. The work was done quickly and without “surprises”. We really recommend them.”
Tomas
Vilnius, Lithuania
“Thank you! You saved our house. Even though our house is not big, your care and attention to details was amazing. All my flowers and herb beds remained unharmed. Sorry for the stupid questions, but now I know a lot more about how it happens and why. The job was done in a few hours.”
Aija
Dreiliņi, Latvia
“We already thought that the floor was broken and lived in fear that one day the pipes might break. URETEK lifted everything in one day. The way it happens is impressive. While we were walking around the house, they were working from the outside. Quiet and invisible. Thanks guys.”
Gatis
Liepāja, Latvia
“We were already very worried about the condition of our home. We contacted URETEK specialists, who reviewed the situation and gave us professional advice on how to stop the subsiding of the house. Very pleasant attitude. The work was done quickly and our concern was resolved . We definitely recommend.”
Martin
Tallinn, Estonia
“It was an excellent customer experience from both the consultant and the technicians part. I definitely recommend both the product and the service.”
Margus
Tallinn, Estonia
“We received very thorough information and consultation about our house. They are professionals in their field. The work achieved the maximum possible result. Thank you!”
Taavi
Tartu, Estonia
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