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RR1213: Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC in England: Assessment of risk of collapse

This report, prepared by WSP UK Ltd., presents an initial estimate of the number of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) panels that may collapse in England and the likelihood of those collapses occurring whilst people are below the RAAC panels. These numbers are presented alongside commentary on RAAC failure mechanisms, risk factors that increase the likelihood of RAAC panel collapse, and measures for inspecting, monitoring and mitigating RAAC panels. RAAC was used throughout construction projects in England between the 1950s and 1990s due to being a lightweight and relatively low-cost material.

Note: The results presented in this report are estimates only. There is a large range provided for these estimates, reflecting the limited data available at the time of writing.

The estimated probabilities of RAAC panel collapse (and the likelihoods of people being below the panels at the time of collapse) derived in this report is to be used to inform a wider discussion on how the safety risks posed by RAAC may be managed.

Visit the RR1213 report (PDF) [12]

This report and the work it describes were funded by the Health and Safety Executive. Its contents, including any opinions and/or conclusions expressed, are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect HSE policy.

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Updated 2025-02-06