RAAC playbook unveiled: MTC leads the charge for safer UK buildings

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) has today published a new, industry-first playbook containing a collection of the best available knowledge and learnings to tackle RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete). Addressing growing industry concerns about the material, the publication marks the first step towards defining a standardised approach that empowers stakeholders to manage RAAC in the long term.

Produced in collaboration with the Construction Leadership Council and other key industry stakeholders, the Playbook also showcases a number of non-destructive testing methods. 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.”

Funded by Innovate UK’s RAAC Impact Programme, the MTC RAAC Playbook is now available

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PLAYBOOK