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Scientists call for new construction regulations in the Arctic
Scientists call for new construction regulations in the Arctic
Arctic.ru: Discover how Russia implements its development goals in the Arctic and the Far East
2026-11-09T13:43
2026-11-09T13:43
2026-11-09T16:18
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arctic zone of russia
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As the Arctic warms, buildings and infrastructure facilities could eventually sink or collapse due to thawing permafrost. To prevent this, legislation should require soil assessment before construction begins, Olga Ryseva, associate professor in the Department of Construction and Heat, Gas, and Water Supply at Polar State University, told RIA Novosti.“Permafrost covers 65 percent of Russia’s territory, yet official documents classify it simply as a “climatic feature” of the region. This designation needs to be revised. Moreover, there are currently no requirements to assess the remaining load-bearing capacity of the soil,” the expert said.According to Olga Ryseva, soil loses its strength over time, causing the ground to gradually shift and deform. As a result, roads, supports for gas and heating pipelines, and other critical infrastructure can become warped or damaged. To address these risks, she recommends that northern regions adopt alternative foundation construction methods specifically designed for permafrost conditions, taking into account environmental changes and the risk of subsidence.In 2024, Polar State University established an expert advisory commission on the design and operation of buildings and structures on permafrost. Olga Ryseva said the commission has already helped prevent the use of ineffective engineering solutions during the reconstruction of several facilities in the region.She added that the proposed legislative changes should apply not only to the Taymyr Peninsula but across Russia, as ground movement and structural deformation are also affecting the Far East, Siberia, and other northern regions.“We need to start documenting the effects of warming now, and not just in the Arctic and subarctic regions. Even here in the Krasnoyarsk Territory, we’ve already seen isolated cases of unexpected groundwater breakthroughs. What does this mean for infrastructure? Underground water sources are being replenished by Arctic meltwater, which is comparable in quality to spring water. If that water begins to flow in, it could wash away everything in its path unless we take measures to prevent it. In this respect, the use of pile foundations is actually a very effective solution,” Olga Ryseva concluded.
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As the Arctic warms, buildings and infrastructure facilities could eventually sink or collapse due to thawing permafrost. To prevent this, legislation should require soil assessment before construction begins, Olga Ryseva, associate professor in the Department of Construction and Heat, Gas, and Water Supply at Polar State University, told RIA Novosti.
“Permafrost covers 65 percent of Russia’s territory, yet official documents classify it simply as a “climatic feature” of the region. This designation needs to be revised. Moreover, there are currently no requirements to assess the remaining load-bearing capacity of the soil,” the expert said.
According to Olga Ryseva, soil loses its strength over time, causing the ground to gradually shift and deform. As a result, roads, supports for gas and heating pipelines, and other critical infrastructure can become warped or damaged. To address these risks, she recommends that northern regions adopt alternative foundation construction methods specifically designed for permafrost conditions, taking into account environmental changes and the risk of subsidence.
In 2024, Polar State University established an expert advisory commission on the design and operation of buildings and structures on permafrost. Olga Ryseva said the commission has already helped prevent the use of ineffective engineering solutions during the reconstruction of several facilities in the region.
She added that the proposed legislative changes should apply not only to the Taymyr Peninsula but across Russia, as ground movement and structural deformation are also affecting the Far East, Siberia, and other northern regions.
“We need to start documenting the effects of warming now, and not just in the Arctic and subarctic regions. Even here in the Krasnoyarsk Territory, we’ve already seen isolated cases of unexpected groundwater breakthroughs. What does this mean for infrastructure? Underground water sources are being replenished by Arctic meltwater, which is comparable in quality to spring water. If that water begins to flow in, it could wash away everything in its path unless we take measures to prevent it. In this respect, the use of pile foundations is actually a very effective solution,” Olga Ryseva concluded.
