RAAC in Schools: Access Solutions

The Department for Education (DfE) has identified 600 schools at risk of structural collapse, attributed to the use of a form of concrete known as RRAC, which has been widely employed in the construction of educational institutions in the UK since the mid-1950s and is currently under scrutiny.

As a result, temporary schools, classrooms, and restroom facilities are being erected to ensure the continuity of in-person education while repairs and enhancements take place. Both the Department of Education and local authorities are collaborating with affacted schools to provide these temporary structures.

What is RAAC?

Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) is a lightweight form of concrete that gained popularity in the UK several decades ago. Concerns have been raised about RAAC's reduced durability compared to traditional concrete, which could lead to structural failures.

What is Rapid Ramp doing to help address the RAAC crisis?

We are actively collaborating with modular construction firms, local authorities, and schools to offer temporary accessibility solutions for their prefabricated structures.

Our services include the rental of temporary Rapid Ramps and steps for both short and long-term periods, allowing for alignment with the rental durations of other temporary structures on-site.

In addition, our installation schedules are highly adaptable. We make every effort to schedule our work during a building's non-operational hours to minimise disruption. Our team of specialised installers typically complete installations within a matter of days.

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Previous Success Stories

Wincanton Primary School

Requirement: Upgrading an aging wooden ramp with a compliant Rapid Ramp System.

This system needed to possess the necessary strength to endure impacts from electrically operated wheelchairs, provide support for users in the event of a fall, and feature handrails that met the specifications outlined in BS 6180:2011. Our ramp successfully meets all of these requirements.

Lingfield Primary School

Requirement: Providing Wheelchair Access to a Changing Places Toilet

The ramp, landing, upstands, and handrails had to meet the stringent requirements outlined in Approved Documents K and M of the Building Regulations for full compliance.

In favour of a modular solution, the customer opted against concrete. Much like the pod, a modular system offers the advantage of easy removal and relocation, which concrete ramps cannot provide.

Lord Derby Academy

Requirement: A ramp and accompanying access steps for a recently constructed modular classroom.

Our team completed the installation of the Rapid Ramp during the summer break.

Yattendon C Of E Primary School

Requirement: Accessible ramped entryway leading to the newly constructed outdoor classroom.

The ground before the entrance is divided into two sections: tarmac and a bark-covered area. The tarmac is elevated and stable, while the bark-covered area offers a softer surface.

To address this, a weed membrane was laid over the bark-covered area, and the ramp feet on that side were affixed to concrete slabs.

All of the ramp feet were precisely adjusted to create a level walkway with a compliant gradient of 1:15.

This ramp fully aligns with the requirements outlined in Document K and M of the Building Regulations.

Source:

Crown, Department for Education, 31 August 2023, Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC): management information (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reinforced-autoclaved-aerated-concrete-raac-management-information#:~:text=The%20Department%20for%20Education%20(%20DfE,through%20the%20school%20rebuilding%20programme).