Inspection problems of rural stone churches

The authors describe the reasons for the destruction and the difficult process of restoring old stone churches built before 1917. The article notes the difference between these processes in the village and in the city. In the villages a large number of churches are in emergency condition, but continue to be operated as intended, i.e. for divine service. The article gives the classification of the causes for the destruction process of old rural churches. At the present time old temples usually destruct due to the lack of timely rehabilitation works. Recovery is hindered by the high cost of a comprehensive inspection and restoration. The work can be greatly reduced if the goal is not restoration, but conservation and prevention of an emergency condition. The authors come to the conclusion that the survey of rural churches as opposed to urban ones has the main goals: to determine the state category, to provide space in which the religious services may be held, for example, in the summer, and to provide materials for preservation of the part of the building, the operation of which is impossible. The problems of preservation of the architectural decor and restoration of items are not considered in such an inspection. Such a survey can be called “Express survey”. Express survey is conducted for a short time with a small group of specialists. The examination includes visual examination, thorough photographic images, study of the geological history of the area, interviews with the residents, description of the defects, which reduce the reliability of the building, recommendations for the strengthening of structures, conservation and monitoring frequencies. The works on measurement and determination of the strength of materials must be minimized. For more efficient operation, it is proposed to amend the regulations or create a separate document in addition to the known norms regulating the work using a rapid survey.