Reinforced Aerated Autoclaved Concrete (RAAC)
Within East Ayrshire, RAAC has been identified within three small non-public buildings - a plant room that is separate to Crosshouse Early Childhood Centre, a plant room that is separate to Hurlford Community Centre and a Council bothy within Kilmarnock Cemetery (Grassyards Road).
Our Structural Engineers recently visited the properties and current mitigations have been assessed as appropriate while plans for remedial works or removal are being developed.
Notes to editors
Background information on RAAC
Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) is a lightweight construction material that was used in the construction of some public buildings like schools and hospitals between the 1950s and 1990s. It was used mostly in flat roofing, but also in some pitched roofs, floors and walls.
It was quicker to produce, easier to install, and cheaper than standard concrete. Despite its name, it is very different to traditional concrete although it looks similar. It is aerated, or ‘bubbly’, and is therefore less durable than traditional concrete.
RAAC can be susceptible to failure when exposed to moisture. The ‘bubbles’ can allow water to enter the material. This moisture can also cause decay in any reinforcement steel (‘rebar’) present in the material.