Clients, referrers, suppliers and friends of Michael Aubrey Structural Engineers and Create Home Design enjoyed a relaxing Friday evening exploring the picturesque River Thames.

Boarding from the Caversham pier, Reading our private charter, the Caversham Princess departed just after 6pm.



We were incredibly lucky with the weather – a beautiful warm summers evening ahead of us.

After enjoying welcome drinks, team members mingled with clients, referrers, suppliers and friends – some of which we had never met face to face!

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the scrumptious “street food” BBQ, featuring delectable burgers and veggie kababs, complemented by two mouthwatering salads. To top it off, we savoured a delightful dessert spread, including a raspberry roulade and a lemon tart.


As we meandered up the River Thames, we enjoyed some of the most unspoilt reaches of the upper Thames, passing the pretty village of Purley on Thames and Mapledurham House.

Pausing for a moment as we navigated through Mapledurham lock, just as the sun was setting.





On return to Reading John and Carly thanked everyone for attending the event. The riverboat cruise was an extra special occasion celebrating the creation of Michael Aubrey Barrow – bringing Structural Engineering and Architecture together under one roof – a true collaboration of similar minds!

John also expressed appreciation to Julie and Leigh-Ann whose contributions ensured the event’s success and safety.

Thank You

Some lovely words of thanks from our Clients ….

“Just want to say thank you very much for a great evening on Friday – perfect weather, delicious food and a thoroughly enjoyable experience”.

“Just a little note to say thank you to you and all at Michael Aubrey Barrow for organising a great evening on the river cruise yesterday”.

“Thank you so much for inviting me to your event. It was a delightful evening meeting some old friends and delicious food. It was brilliantly organised Julie I know how much effort goes in to these things. It was good to learn of your new enhanced organisation which I personally believe is the right strategic move and fills an important gap. Thanks again for your continued support on the development”.

The Caversham Princess


The Caversham Princess was commissioned for Thames Rivercruise as the flagship of the Upper Thames. A luxurious twin deck passenger vessel, ideal for larger parties and private charter. For more details click here.

RAAC Panels – The Silent Threat Lurking Above

In the world of construction, some dangers are concealed, lurking high above our heads.

Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) panels, once hailed for their thermal efficiency and fire resistance, have now become a cause for concern.

Today, I’m sitting down with our Managing Director, John Staves, to shed light on the risks associated with RAAC panels and discuss potential solutions for those who find themselves in the shadow of this hidden peril.

RAAC inspection

A Relic from the Past

RAAC panels emerged as a construction method of choice during the 1960’s and 1970’s primarily used in public buildings like schools, hospitals, and corporate structures. These panels found their niche as roofing materials due to their lightweight nature and excellent fire-resistant properties.

The Singlewell Primary Wake-Up Call

The alarm bells began to ring when part of the ceiling at Singlewell Primary School in Kent collapsed on a weekend in 2018. Thankfully, no one was harmed, but this incident underscored the urgent need for action in dealing with the potential dangers of RAAC.


Unseen and Unaware

Many schools and building owners remain blissfully unaware that RAAC panels make up their roofs. The general assumption that concrete roofs are structurally sound has left these hidden time bombs unchecked.

The crisis we face today is partly due to the prolonged use of RAAC panels and inadequate maintenance over the years.

RAAC Concrete panels. Image credits: New Civil Engineer


The Silent Threat

RAAC panels are not like typical concrete structures that give warning signs of impending failure through stress cracks. Instead, they are highly porous, prone to deflections, cracks, and structural weaknesses. Failure in RAAC panels can be attributed to various factors, including manufacturing defects, suboptimal original designs, and moisture ingress.

The Role of Moisture Ingress

Moisture ingress is a particularly insidious problem with RAAC panels, especially when they serve as roofing material. Over time, weatherproof membranes, such as asphalt, deteriorate, allowing moisture to infiltrate the panels. This moisture corrodes the reinforcement within, weakening the bond with the concrete and eventually leading to failures in the panels.

Identifying RAAC Panels

To determine if a building contains RAAC panels, a visual inspection is the first step. Competent structural engineers look for telltale signs such as panel width, span, and edge details. If suspicions persist, core sampling can be employed to confirm the presence of RAAC.

The Next Steps

If RAAC is confirmed, immediate actions are crucial. Affected areas should be cordoned off, and temporary propping may be necessary to prevent collapse. Depending on the severity, options include the removal and replacement of panels or the addition of a new structural layer beneath them.

The priority is to ensure the safety of the occupants below.



Ceiling support at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn, Norfolk


Strengthening Bearing Support

Another consideration is reinforcing the bearing points to alleviate stress on the RAAC panels. This can involve extending support to where the reinforcement lies within the panels.

Seeking Guidance

For those grappling with RAAC-related concerns, the Department of Education has issued a guidance document in 2022, updated in August 2023, titled “Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC): Identification guidance.” This resource provides valuable information for identifying and addressing RAAC-related issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, RAAC panels are a hidden danger that can fail without warning. Awareness and proactive inspections are essential to ensure the safety of occupants in buildings constructed with RAAC panels. By following guidelines and seeking expert advice, we can mitigate the risks associated with this silent threat that looms above our heads. Your safety and the structural integrity of your building depend on it.

Do you suspect RAAC in your building? Contact us for expert advice

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Introduction

RAAC Inspections – Key Actions for Buiding Owners

Building owners play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and structural integrity of their properties. In buildings constructed between the 1960s and mid-1990s, concerns may arise regarding the use of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).

To address these concerns and promote building safety, we have outlined key actions that building owners should follow. These steps will help identify, assess, and find solutions for any RAAC-related issues that may exist within their properties.

RAAC Concrete. Image credits: Loughborough University

Step 1: RAAC Identification

The initial step in addressing RAAC related concerns is to determine whether RAAC materials were used in the construction of your building. Here are some ways to go about it:

  • In-House Expertise: Experienced estate or maintenance managers and building owners can begin the identification process by consulting existing documentation and plans.
  • Refer to the Department of Education Guide: to understand how to identify Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).
  • Professional Assistance: Seek professional help if uncertainty remains. Proficient structural engineers or surveyors can identify RAAC presence.

RAAC Concrete. Image credits: IstructE

Step 2: RAAC Assessment

Once RAAC presence has been confirmed, the next step is to assess the extent of risk and the need for immediate remedial action.

  • Competent Assessors: IStructE Chartered and Associate-Members can evaluate the structural integrity and potential risks associated with RAAC.
  • List of Experienced Engineers: Find qualified structural engineers with RAAC expertise through IStructE’s list of experienced professionals.
  • Detailed Site Inspection: Conduct a thorough assessment, including a detailed site inspection.

Step 3: Solutions to RACC concerns

After a comprehensive assessment, competent structural engineers will propose necessary remedial works, if any, to address the RAAC-related concerns.

Conclusion

Ensuring the safety of buildings with RAAC is a shared responsibility. By following these key actions, you can effectively address RAAC-related issues and safeguard the structural integrity of your building. Safety should always be the top priority when managing and maintaining buildings, contributing to the long-term durability and sustainability of our built environment.

Need Help?

Contact one of our Structural Engineers today for an initial consultation and to arrange a survey. 

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