April 2025 - Michael Aubrey Structural Engineers

Work anniversaries are always special – but reaching 25 years with the same company is a truly remarkable achievement.

This week, we’re incredibly proud to celebrate Andy, one of our longest-serving team members, as he marks a quarter-century with Michael Aubrey Barrow (Formally Michael Aubrey Partnership).

Andy’s journey is one of continuous growth, adaptability, and commitment. Starting out as a CAD technician, he has evolved alongside the industry – mastering Revit, embracing 3D modelling, and continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with the tools at hand.

Today, Andy plays a vital role in projects across the board – from residential extensions and new builds to reinforced concrete detailing, steel connections, framing, and drainage design. His technical expertise is second to none, and his ability to tackle the most challenging corners of a project is a key part of our success.

“I enjoy using my many years of experience to innovate and find solutions for technically challenging problems then I communicate them as clearly as possible – using the BIM software and specialist engineering tools we’ve got at our fingertips.” Andy says.

But for Andy, what really makes the job meaningful is the people.

“What makes the difference is the team. It’s the variety of projects we take on, but also the quality of the people you work with. Collaborating, learning from each other, bouncing ideas off different specialisms – that’s how you deliver the most cost-effective, buildable solutions.”

25 andy image

Colleagues describe Andy as calm, reliable, and endlessly supportive.

He’s a brilliant teammate and someone who brings out the best in those around him – always willing to lend a hand or share his insight.

Looking ahead, Andy sees a bright future for the profession:

“With technologies and products evolving so quickly, I see processes becoming more streamlined. That means fewer site queries, faster builds, and better value for clients.”

From all of us at Michael Aubrey Barrow, Andy – thank you for 25 years of loyalty and hard work!

CDM & Building Safety Act CPD at Bracknell Forest Council

What do Principal Designers really need to know about CDM and the Building Safety Act – and how do these regulations shape safer construction?

That’s exactly what was explored when John Staves, CEng FIStructE, Chartered Structural Engineer, visited Bracknell Forest Council to deliver a dynamic and insightful CPD workshop tailored to the real-world challenges of today’s built environment.

CDM & Building Safety Act

The session brought together property surveyors from Bracknell Forest Council to explore how the roles and responsibilities of duty holders are evolving under these two significant pieces of legislation.

John’s practical approach and deep knowledge helped make complex regulatory changes easier to understand and apply.

John guided attendees through the evolution of the CDM Regulations, from the introduction of Planning Supervisors in 1994 to today’s expanded responsibilities of the Principal Designer – now further shaped by the Building Safety Act.

Proactive Risk Management

John highlighted the growing emphasis on proactive risk management, clear communication, and genuine collaboration between duty holders as essential tools for improving construction safety.

The Building Safety Act was explored in this context, with particular focus on its drive for safer design and stronger accountability – for all projects regulated by the Building Regulations.

Although driven by Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs), the BSA presentation and discussion concentrated on non-HRB projects which form the majority of construction work.

John broke down the new competency requirements and opened up discussion around what these changes mean for professionals navigating the current regulatory landscape.

Raising Safety Standards

The session wrapped up with plenty of practical takeaways and left the team feeling informed, empowered, and committed to raising safety standards across their work.

“The event was well organised with good notes and Johns unbiased, knowledgeable presentation helped to unravel a confusing subject giving us confidence on how to proceed and keep within CDM and BSA regulations”. Julian, Bracknell Forest Council

Unsure about your responsibilities or competency under the Building Safety Act?

If you’re navigating new duties or just want clarity on what the changes mean for your role, we’re here to help.
Drop us a message today and let’s talk through your next steps with confidence.

Email us at: support@mapl.co.uk

The Challenge

How could the raac panels be strengthened in situ while maintaining the building’s operations?

Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC)

In September 2023, the issue of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) came to the forefront of public attention.

RAAC, a material widely used in construction during the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, was found to have significant structural vulnerabilities.

In this image, you can clearly see the porous, bubbly texture of RAAC. These air pockets—originally intended to reduce weight—create direct pathways for moisture ingress.

Over time, this allows water to penetrate through the material, reaching and corroding the embedded steel reinforcement. As the reinforcement corrodes, it expands, compromising the structural integrity of the element and increasing the risk of sudden failure, often without visible warning signs.

RAAC Audits

This was highlighted when schools began failing inspections, leading to closures. Subsequently, other large public organisations, including Network Rail and NHS, initiated audits of their facilities to assess the extent of the problem.

One such facility, a single-story building within a larger warehouse structure, was found to have RAAC panels used as ceilings for certain rooms. These panels had developed visible cracking on their underside, with cracks measuring up to 3mm wide in some areas.

Props And Scaffolding To Stabilise The Structure

Temporary measures, such as the installation of props and scaffolding, were put in place to stabilise the structure. However, these solutions were inconvenient and disrupted the building’s critical operations.

The building housed essential infrastructure, making it impossible to remove the RAAC panels without significant disruption.

The challenge was clear:

How could the raac panels be strengthened in situ while maintaining the building’s operations?

The Solution

As one of the UK leading experts in structural engineering solutions for RAAC panels we were appointed to design an innovative solution using Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) to strengthen the RAAC panels.

This approach was cutting-edge, as CFRP application to RAAC fell outside the scope of existing Eurocodes for concrete.

BS EN 1992 Part 1:2004 (Eurocode 2) for UK construction

Back To First Principles And Rigorous Testing

RAAC’s inherent weakness—falling below the minimum strength required by the codes—meant our team had to justify the solution using first principles and rigorous testing.

We approached the problem with true engineering expertise!

Using first principles, we analysed the behaviour of the reinforced planks and identified the critical elements that required strengthening. On-site testing was conducted to verify the design and ensure its feasibility. This meticulous process allowed us to develop a bespoke CFRP strengthening solution that could be implemented with minimal disruption to operations.

Results

The CFRP solution was successfully installed, and the temporary props were removed. The building’s operations continued uninterrupted, and the strengthened panels are now performing adequately.

This project not only demonstrated Michael Aubrey Structural Engineer’s ability to push the boundaries of engineering but also provided a replicable solution for similar challenges across other facilities.

Conclusion

This project highlights our commitment to true engineering innovation.

By stepping beyond standard codes and applying first-principles thinking, we delivered a cutting-edge engineering solution that solved a critical problem.

Our expertise and collaborative approach with Network Rail’s project and asset engineers ensured the success of this complex project.

If your organisation is facing challenges with RAAC or other structural issues, Michael Aubrey Structural Engineers is here to provide innovative, bespoke solutions.

support@mapl.co.uk
t. 0118 962 9666

John Staves CEng FIStructE MIoD

Managing Director

Chartered Structural Engineer

John Staves is a highly respected Chartered Structural Engineer with extensive expertise in structural assessment, investigation, and design.

He has held key leadership roles within the industry, including past Vice President of the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) and various advisory positions shaping best practices in the field.

John is renowned for his innovative approach to solving complex engineering challenges, from pioneering reinforcement solutions for RAAC structures to delivering robust designs for diverse building projects.

His expertise spans forensic engineering, structural safety, and the application of advanced materials for strengthening and refurbishment. With a meticulous, first-principles approach, he ensures practical, efficient, and future-proofed solutions for clients across the built environment.