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New RAAC playbook aims to improve safety

Shear failure of a RAAC plank during flexural test by Loughborough University and Lucideon Ltd as a part of the NHS-funded RAAC research programme undertaken in 2021-2023. Image: MTC.

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) has published the RAAC Playbook, a detailed guide aimed at managing the risks posed by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in buildings.

The playbook consolidates existing knowledge and introduces new strategies for identifying, assessing, and addressing issues with RAAC. Developed in collaboration with the Construction Leadership Council and other industry groups, it aims to standardise how RAAC is handled across public and private sectors.

Steve Nesbitt, chief technologist for the built environment at MTC, explained: “The deteriorating RAAC in UK public buildings demands urgent attention. However, due to insufficient records and limitations with current detection methods, the exact condition of any given RAAC plank in a building can be uncertain.”

The guide highlights advanced non-destructive testing methods, including ground-penetrating radar and ultrasonic testing, as faster and less invasive alternatives to traditional intrusive methods. It also provides detailed analysis of RAAC’s technical properties, remediation strategies for roof planks, and industry case studies to inform best practices.

An upside-down roof plank sample, with soffit uppermost. Image: MTC.

RAAC, a lightweight material reinforced with steel bars or mesh, was commonly used in UK construction between the 1950s and 1990s for its cost-effectiveness and insulation properties. However, its structural integrity diminishes with age, and it has been associated with several failures in public buildings, including schools and hospitals.

The RAAC Playbook offers practical tools for building managers and construction professionals to ensure safety. “Our goal is to support a secure, affordable, and efficient approach to dealing with RAAC in all affected structures,” Nesbitt added.

The RAAC Playbook is available for download on the MTC website.

 

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