Why Precast Concrete Buildings Are Especially at Risk in Ukraine
According to Ivan Perehinets, Director of the Scientific and Technical Center at the Academy of Construction of Ukraine, more than 50% of the country's multi-unit residential housing stock consists of panel-style buildings. These structures, he warns, are the most vulnerable to missile and drone strikes. Ukraine has between 280,000 and 300,000 apartment buildings, with panel constructions making up the majority. In Kyiv alone, roughly 12,000 such buildings exist.
On the night of May 14, Russian forces launched a large-scale combined attack on Kyiv, impacting several districts including Shevchenkivskyi, Pecherskyi, Darnytskyi, Dniprovskyi, Obolonskyi, Solomianskyi, Desnianskyi, Sviatoshynskyi, and Holosiivskyi. The assault caused the collapse of a multi-story residential building in the Darnytskyi district. Search and rescue operations there lasted over 28 hours. The strike killed 24 people, among them three children, and injured 48 residents.
'These buildings are the most prone to collapse, including progressive collapse, when hit by a missile—God forbid a ballistic one—or even a cruise missile, a guided aerial bomb, or a drone. That makes them the most vulnerable type of multi-unit housing.' Ivan Perehinets
Comparing Safety Across Different Building Types
Perehinets further noted that panel buildings are the most susceptible to destruction during missile impacts. For context, brick buildings occupy a different, relatively safer tier, while monolithic structures are considered the most secure under artillery fire.
'It all depends on the type of explosion and the delivery system—whether it's a rocket or a drone. But panel buildings are the worst. They are the most vulnerable.' Ivan Perehinets
Given the ongoing military threats, the issue of residential safety—especially for panel buildings—remains critically urgent.
This situation underscores the need for risk assessment and proactive measures to improve housing safety in Ukraine. With constant dangers from military actions, strategies must be developed to protect citizens living in vulnerable structures like panel buildings. These strategies may include:
- Technical solutions to reinforce buildings
- Evacuation planning
- Emergency warning systems
In light of the recent attack on Kyiv, where a multi-story residential building collapsed, concerns have been raised regarding the safety of panel structures. As highlighted by Ivan Perehinets, the risks associated with these buildings are significant. For more insights on the dangers faced by residents of such constructions, you can read about the warnings issued by Chornovol regarding shelter safety in the aftermath of the attack.