Guidance on RAAC in Listed Buildings
Purcell have launched the publication Guidance on RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) in Listed Buildings.
The document, which has been endorsed by the Twentieth Century Society, Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), and the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC), has been led by Max Thomson, Building Surveyor at Purcell in collaboration with Chris Waterman, Parliamentary Policy Advisor and Building Safety Specialist.
The research and publication of the guide has been funded as part of Purcell's R&D programme in the interests of disseminating what they consider to be the best currently available guidance for anyone who is responsible for a listed building that may be affected by the presence of RAAC. The potential presence of RAAC is by no means limited to 20th century buildings, but buildings of any period that may have undergone alterations or interventions from the 1950s to 2000.
Following guidance documents published by the Government Department for Education (DfE) and the Institute of Structural Engineers (IStructE), Purcell wanted to initiate guidance that specifically focused on RAAC in listed buildings. The document sets out professional guidance for building owners, heritage stakeholders, asset and estate managers, and local and central government.
The full document is available as a free download here
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