PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Installation of support timbers to the underside of existing RAAC concrete to provide temporary support until the buildings are taken out of commission.

RAAC – reinforced autoclave aerated concrete – gained public notoriety in 2018 when a RAAC roof collapsed at Singlewell Primary School. This began a national programme of inspection and repair of buildings containing RAAC, including SFRS buildings. When introduced in the 1950s, it was lauded as an innovative lightweight alternative and used extensively into the 70’s until its serious structural defects were fully determined.

ECSC was appointed to provide urgent safety works at the Dalkeith and Marionville fire stations. The ceilings were formed of RAAC panels which had deflected over the years and were at continual risk of structural failure. We installed support timbers to prop up the ceilings temporarily, while plans were put in place to permanently rectify the issue.

KEY CHALLENGES

Working within a Live Fire Station ensuring no disruption to the SFRS daily activities.

ADDED VALUE

Full time supervision was supplied and this has been rolled forward to Robertson FM other contractors. This was valued due to the communication and ensuring that issues were dealt with in a timely manner.