Can RAAC be strengthened rather than replaced?

Often, yes. Depending on the condition, RAAC can be strengthened with additional support or bonded carbon fibre, or its bearings improved, rather than replaced outright. The choice depends on the survey evidence and the structural engineer's design.

What is CFRP strengthening of RAAC?

CFRP, or carbon fibre reinforced polymer, is a high-strength material bonded to a panel to add tensile capacity and help control deflection. It is increasingly used to strengthen RAAC in place. It is a specialist remediation discipline that relies on accurate survey and condition data.

Does RAACScan carry out the strengthening work?

No. RAACScan provides the survey, identification, condition assessment, risk assessment, management planning and monitoring. Strengthening, remediation and replacement are designed and installed by specialist structural engineers and contractors, working from the evidence we provide.

What is RAAC load testing?

Load testing applies a controlled load to confirm how much a RAAC element can safely carry. It is a specialist activity arranged with a structural engineer, and we coordinate it with our survey and condition data.

RAAC Strengthening Options

Where RAAC cannot simply be managed in place, it has to be strengthened, remediated or replaced. This guide explains the main options, including carbon fibre strengthening, and where survey and assessment fit in.

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When strengthening or remediation is needed

A risk assessment may conclude that a RAAC element cannot stay as it is, because of inadequate bearing, excessive deflection, water damage or corroded reinforcement. At that point the choice is between strengthening the panel, providing additional support, or replacing it. The right option depends on the survey evidence and the structural engineer's design.

The main RAAC strengthening and remediation options

Additional support: new beams, props or sub-framing that carry load independently of the RAAC
Carbon fibre (CFRP) strengthening: bonded carbon-fibre reinforced polymer that adds tensile capacity to the panel
Bearing improvement: works that restore or extend inadequate bearings at the supports
Replacement: removing the RAAC and installing a modern roof or floor where strengthening is not viable

RAACScan provides the survey, identification, condition assessment and risk assessment that any of these options depends on. The strengthening or remediation itself is designed and installed by specialist structural engineers and remediation contractors, working from our survey evidence.

Carbon fibre (CFRP) strengthening of RAAC

Carbon fibre reinforced polymer, bonded to a panel, can add tensile capacity and help control deflection, and it is increasingly used as a way to strengthen RAAC in place rather than replace it. CFRP strengthening is a specialist remediation discipline; our role is to provide the accurate survey and condition data on which a CFRP design is based, and to reinspect and monitor afterwards.

Load testing to confirm capacity

Where there is doubt about how much load a RAAC element can safely carry, structural load testing can confirm its capacity directly. Load testing is a specialist activity arranged with a structural engineer; we coordinate it with our survey and condition data so the result sits alongside the rest of the assessment.

Frequently asked questions

Can RAAC be strengthened rather than replaced?: Often, yes. Depending on the condition, RAAC can be strengthened with additional support or bonded carbon fibre, or its bearings improved, rather than replaced outright. The choice depends on the survey evidence and the structural engineer's design.
What is CFRP strengthening of RAAC?: CFRP, or carbon fibre reinforced polymer, is a high-strength material bonded to a panel to add tensile capacity and help control deflection. It is increasingly used to strengthen RAAC in place. It is a specialist remediation discipline that relies on accurate survey and condition data.
Does RAACScan carry out the strengthening work?: No. RAACScan provides the survey, identification, condition assessment, risk assessment, management planning and monitoring. Strengthening, remediation and replacement are designed and installed by specialist structural engineers and contractors, working from the evidence we provide.
What is RAAC load testing?: Load testing applies a controlled load to confirm how much a RAAC element can safely carry. It is a specialist activity arranged with a structural engineer, and we coordinate it with our survey and condition data.

Need advice on RAAC in your building?

Tell us the building, its age and roof construction, and we will advise on the right next step.