RAAC Surveying

RAAC panel surveys

Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) panels were widely used in hospitals and education facilities across the UK throughout the 60s, 70s and 80s. In late 2018, however, a flat roof constructed from RAAC panels suddenly collapsed at a school. The way that the panels are made makes them much weaker than traditional concrete, therefore posing a serious risk, particularly once the estimated useful life of 30 years has elapsed. The Government therefore called for surveys to be conducted on all buildings with RAAC panels, for the remaining duration of the buildings’ lifetime.

Castons is the lead consultant for these surveys, employing consultant structural engineers and specialist concrete testing companies to advise us on the condition of RAAC panels. We are often advised by specialists at Loughborough University. After completing our surveys, we produce reports on our findings, having developed our entire RAAC panel testing method in collaboration with NHS England. In addition to conducting specialist surveys and writing reports, we manage any remedial works that need to be carried out, collaborating with clinical teams and stakeholders alike to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.