Britmet Lightweight Roofing: The Ultimate Solution to the RAAC Concrete Crisis Case Study

The Royal Blackburn Hospital, located in Lancashire, England, was dubbed a "ticking timebomb" that could "collapse without warning" due to the failure of its existing reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) roof. This issue was part of a larger nationwide crisis, with 34 NHS buildings, including Blackpool Hospital, and thousands more schools, offices and more at risk of collapse due to the deterioration of RAAC structures. The estimated cost of repairs for these buildings loomed at over £1 billion. In the face of this urgent and challenging situation, The Royal Blackburn Hospital sought a solution to ensure the safety and integrity of its infrastructure.

The Royal Blackburn Hospital's existing RAAC roof had reached a critical state of disrepair. The risk of a catastrophic collapse was real and imminent, posing a serious threat to patients, staff, and the hospital's ability to provide essential medical services. The financial burden of repairing or replacing such a roof was substantial, and the hospital needed an innovative, cost-effective, and expedient solution.

The hospital administration and engineering team explored various alternatives to address the RAAC roof crisis. After careful evaluation, they opted for Britmet's Tactray 90 Structural Liner System as the best solution to mitigate the risk of a roof collapse. Tactray 90 offered the necessary structural reinforcement while ensuring long-term durability and stability. The installation could be completed with minimal disruption to hospital operations, a critical consideration given the hospital's 24/7 operation. 

"The Britmet Tactray 90 System was an obvious replacement for the RAAC as it allowed a vapour-sealed, fire-resisting element that made the building watertight prior to the traditional roof finishes being installed. This would allow internal work to progress much quicker and tightened the overall construction programme." - Neil Anyon, Architectural Technician at Gilling Dod Architects.

Project Outcomes:

Implementing Britmet's Tactray 90 Structural Liner System at The Royal Blackburn Hospital resulted in several significant benefits. The hospital's roof regained its structural integrity, mitigating the risk of collapse. The hospital saved a substantial amount by opting for the Tactray 90 system as it provided a weatherproof roof covering to minimise the impact of construction so that the hospital could resume full medical services quickly, ensuring continuity of patient care. 

Conclusion:

The Royal Blackburn Hospital's adoption of Britmet's Tactray 90 Structural Liner System offered an innovative solution to a critical structural problem caused by the failure of the existing RAAC roof. This case study demonstrates that even in challenging situations involving aged infrastructure, cost-effective and efficient alternatives exist to safeguard structural integrity, ensure safety, and enable the continued provision of vital healthcare services. The success of this project serves as a model for other NHS facilities grappling with similar RAAC related challenges, providing hope for the resolution of the wider national crisis. 

Want to learn more about the RAAC and ruin crisis? Head over to our blog post: Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) Frequently Asked Questions or contact our sales team today at 01295 250998 or sales@britmet.co.uk.