What is RAAC and How Modular Buildings Can Help

What is RAAC?

Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) is a lightweight form of ‘bubbly’ precast aerated concrete, which was commonly used in buildings from the mid-1950s to the mid-1990s. It has since been discovered that over time RAAC can deteriorate, compromising the integrity of buildings, and in the worst case scenario, cause collapse.

The RAAC concrete crisis is a particular problem in public sector buildings and, according to the Department of Health and Social Care in its 3 October 2024 update, there are now a total of 47 hospitals that contain RAAC as identified through continued surveys across NHS estates. As at 22 October 2024, the number of schools and colleges with confirmed RAAC was 237.

What can be done about it?

To solve the RAAC concrete problem, buildings affected must have the RAAC fully removed. While necessary, this option is time consuming and there is the added pressure of how RAAC can be removed from hospital and school buildings while simulataneously working to keep facilities open. The disruption caused by RACC removal is extensive and options are needed to help ensure important buildings can remain open while RAAC concrete removal works are completed.

How Can Modular Buildings Help?

Modular buildings are uniquely positioned to provide a rapid and reliable response to the RAAC concrete crisis, allowing for quick deployment of buildings for immediate use so that business as usual operations can continue while RAAC is removed.
Our temporary modular building solutions enables us to respond rapidly and deliver facilities to help solve the issues caused by the RAAC concrete crisis – such as classroom shortages and emergency health requirements.

For the heathcare sector, our SmartCare® modular building options are the perfect RAAC solution for those seeking versatile temporary accommodation. They have a range of applications including clinical and surgical space, medical wards, treatment rooms, consultation rooms, laboratories, or GP facilities. With long term rental options available, modular facilities can be in-situ for many years, which is useful for hospital sites where RAAC works are ongoing and additional flexibility is required.

For the education sector, McAvoy’s SmartClass® facilities are designed to address immediate needs while offering long-term value. These buildings are energy-efficient,
incorporating LED lighting and advanced heating systems to reduce operational costs. They are also highly adaptable and can be repurposed, relocated, or expanded as schools’ requirements evolve. For schools with specific needs, such as SEND students, our customisable designs ensure inclusivity and accessibility.

At McAvoy we have provided urgent RAAC solutions for multiple schools and hospital buildings. Our work for RAAC affected schools includes The Bromfords School in Essex, Kingsdown School in Essex, Hockley Primary School in London, and Parks Primary School in Leicester. Our work in the healthcare sector for hospitals affeced by RAAC includes delivering faciltiies for Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

As more buidings are identified with dangerous RAAC, having modular solutions to deliver critical improvements with unrivalled speed, efficiency, and and boosting performance without disrupting operations will be key.

McAvoy is a leading precision manufacturer of modular buildings in the UK and Ireland, offering permanent and temporary buildings across educational, healthcare, commercial and other sectors. If your organisation is in need of temporary classrooms, a modular office, modular healthcare buildings or similar, get in touch to find out how we can help, today.

For more about our work, including how we have supported RAAC projects across sectors, visit: www.mcavoygroup.com/sectors