DfE Pushes for Reinforced Autoclave Aerated Schools: A Sustainable Solution for Education

The Government Advises over 100 Schools to Close High-risk Buildings Built with Weak Concrete

Introduction

The government is cautioning more than 100 schools in the UK to close certain buildings due to concerns about the structural integrity of constructions made with a “weaker” form of concrete known as Reinforced Autoclave Aerated Concrete (RAAC). The government’s advisory comes after similar concerns were raised regarding the use of RAAC in hospitals. The issue of RAAC surfaced in 2018 when a primary school in Essex experienced a roof collapse. Subsequently, it was discovered that 20 hospitals across 18 NHS trusts in the UK were also affected by RAAC-related problems. Remediation efforts have been implemented in seven severely affected hospitals. Recent reports indicate that the issue with RAAC could be as significant as the problems encountered with High Alumina Cement in the 1970s. The Department for Education (DfE) has contacted 104 schools with confirmed RAAC in their buildings, urging them to vacate or close off affected spaces. The use of RAAC, a building material made with cement, lime, water, and an aeration agent, was prevalent in schools and hospitals between the 1960s and 1990s. However, over time, it has become apparent that RAAC is susceptible to moisture ingress and loses tensile strength, leading to an increasing frequency of structural failures as these buildings exceed their expected lifespan of 30 years.

The DfE‘s Advisory and Actions

The DfE has been actively working on managing potential RAAC risks since 2018. However, recent cases have undermined the confidence in the safety of buildings containing RAAC without additional safety measures. In response, the DfE has expanded its inquiry into the use of RAAC beyond schools to include the entire public estate. Earlier this year, four schools were closed after RAAC was found in their buildings. The current DfE guidance advises schools with confirmed or suspected RAAC to vacate or restrict access to affected spaces, ensuring they remain out of use until appropriate mitigation measures are in place. For smaller areas, this can be done with minimal disruption, while larger settings may require additional support to develop and implement continuity plans. The DfE will assign a caseworker to discuss remediation measures with affected schools and will provide funding for the necessary works. However, the duration of the remediation process has not been specified.

Implications and Concerns

The government’s advisory on RAAC-affected buildings raises several issues and concerns. First, the scale of the problem is not yet fully understood, as the total number of schools with RAAC buildings is not known. This lack of awareness points to potential gaps in monitoring and oversight. Secondly, the financial burden for remediation works in hospitals and schools worst affected by RAAC is expected to reach hundreds of millions of pounds. This poses a considerable challenge, especially given the strains on public finances due to the ongoing pandemic. Additionally, the disruption caused by the closure of affected spaces or buildings raises questions about the potential impact on education provision. While the DfE aims to minimize disruptions, the closure of buildings will undoubtedly require alternative arrangements and support. Lastly, the long-term implications of RAAC-related structural failures highlight the need for robust quality control and inspection processes in construction projects. The recurrence of issues similar to those faced with High Alumina Cement in the past underscores the importance of learning from history and implementing measures to prevent similar problems in the future.

Editorial and Advice

The government’s proactive approach in advising schools to vacate high-risk buildings should be seen as a necessary step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of students, teachers, and staff. Given the potential consequences of structural failures, it is essential that immediate action is taken to mitigate risks. However, it is equally important that the DfE works swiftly to provide support and funding to affected schools to minimize the disruption to education. Collaborative efforts between the government, schools, and construction industry stakeholders should be encouraged to find sustainable solutions to address the RAAC issue in the long term. This includes investing in research and development for alternative building materials with better durability and resistance to moisture ingress. Additionally, lessons should be learned from past failures, such as those with High Alumina Cement, to strengthen quality control processes and ensure early identification of potential construction-related risks. By taking these measures, the government can not only mitigate immediate risks but also build a safer and more sustainable infrastructure for future generations.