New playbook on how to tackle crumbling RAAC concrete published

The UK-based Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) claimed its playbook was an industry first and said it was a first step towards defining a standardized approach that empowers stakeholders to manage RAAC in the long-term.

RAAC burst into the public consciousness in the UK last year, after it emerged that several UK hospitals and schools built with the material are suffering structural problems as it reaches the end of its lifespan.

Produced in collaboration with the Construction Leadership Council, the playbook also showcases a number of non-destructive testing methods. The MTC claimed these offer a faster, more cost-effective alternative to traditional intrusive methods to assess the presence and condition of RAAC in buildings. In addition, the playbook includes:

• An analysis of technical parameters for developing effective solutions
• A review of existing principles and methods for remediating RAAC roof planks
• An assessment of the most appropriate solutions for remediating RAAC roof planks
• A reinforce-to-replace strategy
• Case studies of remediation options from industry

Steve Nesbitt, chief technologist for the built environment at MTC said: “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.

“By developing a non-destructive testing method and producing this first draft of our RAAC Playbook, we hope to realise a future where RAAC can be either replaced in a secure, easy and affordable way, or guaranteed to be safe in all buildings across the UK.”

The MTC RAAC Playbook is now available to download at www.the-mtc.org/raac-playbook.