Use of RAAC in Government buildings (FOI)

Request

A

Please confirm if any Government of Jersey owned properties have been constructed using reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC)?  If so, how many properties have been constructed with this material?

B

If any Government of Jersey properties have been constructed using RAAC, have they been surveyed and what is being done to remove this risk to building users?

Response

A and B

Based upon the Government of Jersey’s public property records, it is unlikely that any of the public buildings have been constructed using reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).  

Both local ready-mix concrete suppliers, Granite Products (CI) Limited and Ronez Limited, have confirmed that RAAC has never been produced in Jersey as a ready-mix due to the specialised equipment required in production.  

Both companies have also confirmed that they had never imported precast RAAC products to the island either.  It is believed to be unlikely that precast RAAC products (slabs, beams) would have been imported to the island due to the high costs involved in shipping to Jersey, and the likelihood of damage to the weaker, less durable concrete products.

Jersey Property Holdings (JPH) has collated a list of Government owned properties requiring further investigation to confirm whether any RAAC was used.

JPH has been reviewing the construction drawings to check the construction make up since these would make it apparent if RAAC products could have been included.  The initial studies and reviews of drawings are due to be completed by the end of September 2023.

However, where there is any doubt, structural engineers have been employed and have made visits to inspect and eliminate the presence of RAAC if suspected.  This investigative work is still ongoing.