The RAAC Crisis
Across the UK, buildings such as schools & hospitals have had issues regarding their structural stability. RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) is the primary concern as this was a popular material during the construction of many of these buildings
What exactly is RAAC?
RAAC is a lightweight material used in construction of walls, flooring & roofing ranging primarily from the 1950’s until around 1990. During the 1950’s until 1970’s, it was in it’s prime usage, and this was used extensively due to its low production costs and ease of installation and simple manufacturing processes. Across the country, hundreds of schools and hospitals were built using this material.
Created from a blend of cement, lime and an aeration agent, it is a cheaper alternative to traditional concrete, and its swift production and installation times meaning it’s popularity was unprecedented. Unlike traditional reinforced concrete, it’s structural stability is far dissimilar and of much worse durability.
Overall, RAAC is a weaker alternative to concrete, and is only intended to last around 30 years. This is why it is such a huge concern as of late, as many buildings in the country are far past their due sound structural stability date.
RAAC safety issues
RAAC is often used in flat roofing, in which it gets layered with materials including roofing felt, which too can fail over time, allowing the RAAC to be exposed to moisture, causing corrosive effects essentially causing premature failure.
The majority of buildings which used RAAC are far beyond their functional life expectancy and without due maintenance it is known to be liable to collapsing with no prior warnings or indications.
The standing committee on structural safety (SCOSS) recently raised the issue for RAAC material not being safe in 2019. When unmanaged and unmonitored, RAAC is a huge risk and is highly dangerous. Especially in buildings such as schools, and hospitals, you would expect the structural stability to be of major concerns, though up until recently very little batted an eyelid to the potential risks and dangers.
Reviewing
It is essential that any building suspected of being built with RAAC panels are surveyed immediately and at all costs.
How Paterson’s Builders can help fix RAAC concerns
Paterson’s Builders have been hard at work providing necessary surveying and repairs on buildings containing RAAC.
Repairs can include, but are not limited to:
Structural steel reinforcement – Bringing new steel beams between existing beams and columns to support the RAAC panels if they are undamaged and permanently dry.
Carbon fibre plating reinforcement – Carbon fibre is an innovative material renowned for it’s flexibility, tensile strength and lightweight properties. This can reinfore he structure and strengthen the concrete. Being incredibly lightweight and easy to install, carbon fibre is resistant to corrosion, cost effective and in most cases provides maintenance free solutions.
Replacement of RAAC units – essentially removing and replacing RAAC with modern, more stable and reliable materials designed to last.
If you suspect your building contains RAAC, contact us at your soonest convenience for a free consultation.
