RAAC: Collapse-prone concrete present in parliament

Collapse-prone concrete has been discovered within the Houses of Parliament.

Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, often called RAAC, was a typical constructing materials used within the post-war period because it was cheaper and lighter than conventional concrete.

But it’s now proving a nightmare for the federal government because it has been discovered to have a 30-year lifespan earlier than changing into vulnerable to break down.

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Hundreds of colleges have been checked for RAAC – with some instructed to partially or totally shut buildings – whereas hospitals and airports have additionally been discovered to include the concrete.

A parliamentary spokesperson mentioned: “As part of routine ongoing investigations, RAAC was identified in one area of the Palace [of Westminster].

“Structural engineers have confirmed there is no such thing as a rapid threat. Where RAAC is discovered, mitigations can be put in place as vital.”

It is known the concrete was present in an space which was in-built 1974.

Elsewhere, greater than 600 faculties have now been checked for RAAC, in response to senior Department for Education (DfE) officers.

A listing of 147 faculties the place RAAC had been discovered was launched final week, however this was already every week outdated.

Permanent secretary at DfE, Susan Acland-Hood, and chief working officer Jane Cunliffe appeared earlier than the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Monday.

Ms Cunliffe mentioned that in additional than 600 faculties assessed, two-thirds had not been discovered to have RAAC.

But the officers couldn’t verify what number of surveys they had been ready to get again from faculties.

Ms Cunliffe mentioned: “It is very fast moving, we are doing tens of surveys every day.”

Read extra:
Minister swears on camera in school concrete rant
What is RAAC and why was it used so much?
List of schools in England affected by unsafe concrete

Meanwhile, Ms Acland-Hood praised Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, who was caught on digital camera final week complaining about not being thanked for doing a “f****** good job” over the unsafe concrete disaster, whereas others “sat on their arses”.

The official instructed MPs: “The secretary of state has been generous in recognising work done in the department.

“I do not suppose she did intend to recommend others hadn’t been working arduous. All I can say is on behalf of the division, I’m actually grateful.

“I think schools, responsible bodies and teachers up and down the country have worked unbelievably hard in what were very difficult circumstances, at short notice.”

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Concerns concerning the security of the parliamentary property – including fire risks and the presence of asbestos – have been longstanding for the primarily Victorian-era constructing.

Restoration is forecasted to cost several billion pounds, with each the Lords and Commons doubtlessly having to relocate whereas work is carried out.