Collapse-prone concrete has been discovered within the Houses of Parliament.
Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, often known as RAAC, was a typical constructing materials used within the post-war period because it was cheaper and lighter than conventional concrete.
But it’s now proving a nightmare for the federal government because it has been discovered to have a 30-year lifespan earlier than turning into vulnerable to break down.
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Hundreds of colleges have been checked for RAAC – with some informed to partially or totally shut buildings – whereas hospitals and airports have additionally been discovered to comprise the concrete.
A parliamentary spokesperson stated: “As part of routine ongoing investigations, RAAC was identified in one area of the Palace [of Westminster].
“Structural engineers have confirmed there is no such thing as a quick threat. Where RAAC is discovered, mitigations will likely be put in place as vital.”
It is known the concrete was present in an space which was inbuilt 1974.
Elsewhere, greater than 600 colleges have now been checked for RAAC, in response to senior Department for Education (DfE) officers.
A listing of 147 colleges the place RAAC had been discovered was launched final week, however this was already per week old-fashioned.
Permanent secretary at DfE, Susan Acland-Hood, and chief working officer Jane Cunliffe appeared earlier than the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Monday.
Ms Cunliffe stated that in additional than 600 colleges assessed, two-thirds had not been discovered to have RAAC.
But the officers couldn’t affirm what number of surveys they have been ready to get again from colleges.
Ms Cunliffe stated: “It is very fast moving, we are doing tens of surveys every day.”
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What is RAAC and why was it used a lot?
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Meanwhile, Ms Acland-Hood praised Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, who was caught on digicam final week complaining about not being thanked for doing a “f****** good job” over the unsafe concrete disaster, whereas others “sat on their arses”.
The official informed MPs: “The secretary of state has been generous in recognising work done in the department.
“I do not suppose she did intend to counsel others hadn’t been working laborious. All I can say is on behalf of the division, I’m actually grateful.
“I think schools, responsible bodies and teachers up and down the country have worked unbelievably hard in what were very difficult circumstances, at short notice.”
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Concerns in regards to the security of the parliamentary property – together with hearth dangers and the presence of asbestos – have been longstanding for the primarily Victorian-era constructing.
Restoration is forecasted to value a number of billion kilos, with each the Lords and Commons doubtlessly having to relocate whereas work is carried out.
Source: information.sky.com”