Over 100 Schools in the UK Shut Down Due to Faulty RAAC Concrete
As the new academic year began, the UK government informed the leadership of over 100 schools across the country that their current buildings were unsafe for students due to the use of substandard concrete. According to British media reports, the buildings are at risk of collapse.
The issue revolves around reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), which can deteriorate suddenly. Therefore, problems with schools due to the hazardous concrete may persist until 2025, government officials have warned parents.
In total, 156 schools were confirmed to have RAAC from 2022 onwards. Out of these, 52 were deemed critically unsafe, and safety measures have already been implemented.
When asked on BBC whether buildings in these 52 schools "could potentially have collapsed," Schools Minister Nick Gibb replied, "Yes, and that's why we've taken action."
Another 104 schools with confirmed RAAC were classified as non-critical. Previously, these schools were instructed to develop emergency plans in case of building closures.
However, on Thursday, they were ordered to close their buildings and classrooms if they hadn't taken safety measures, which may include propping up ceilings.
"What we discovered over the summer is a series of cases in schools and outside schools, in England and beyond, where RAAC, which was believed to be low risk, turned out to be dangerous," said Schools Minister Nick Gibb.
The government has not disclosed the list of affected schools, so it is unclear how many schools will need to be fully closed. Currently, there are over 20,000 schools in the UK.
RAAC is a lightweight "foamy" form of concrete widely used from the 1950s to the mid-1990s, typically in panel form on flat roofs, as well as sometimes for flat roofs, floors, and walls. It has a service life of around 30 years.
In June, the National Audit Office (NAO) labelled the risk of injury or death from the collapse of a school building as "very likely and critical."
RAAC is still manufactured at hundreds of plants worldwide and continues to be used as a construction material in many countries.