Survey-Led RAAC Remediation, Strengthening and Removal

Once RAAC has been identified, the priority is to assess its condition and any associated structural risk. Depending on the findings, temporary measures such as restricted access, load reduction or structural supports may be required while a detailed assessment is completed.

A professional RAAC survey and structural engineering assessment will determine whether monitoring, strengthening, partial replacement or full removal is the most appropriate course of action. This allows building owners and duty holders to develop a safe, proportionate and evidence-led remediation strategy.

The appropriate RAAC remediation strategy depends on the condition of the material, the building’s use, structural requirements, operational constraints and long-term objectives.

Options may include continued monitoring, load reduction, temporary support, structural strengthening, over-roofing, partial replacement or complete removal and replacement.

Selecting the right solution should always be based on detailed survey findings and structural engineering assessment. RAAC remediation should not be approached as a single standard solution, because each building, structure and risk profile is different.

No. Not every RAAC panel requires replacement. In some situations, continued monitoring, load reduction or structural strengthening may provide an appropriate solution.

The correct approach depends on the condition of the material, its structural performance, evidence of deterioration, exposure to moisture, bearing condition, loading, the building’s operational requirements and the findings of a detailed engineering assessment.

Every building should therefore be assessed individually before remediation decisions are made.

There is no standard programme for RAAC remediation because every building presents different technical and operational challenges.

Timescales depend on factors such as the size and complexity of the building, survey findings, structural design requirements, temporary works, access strategy, procurement, stakeholder requirements and whether the building remains occupied during construction.

Completing detailed surveys and investigations early helps establish realistic programmes, reduce uncertainty and improve control during delivery.

Yes. Many RAAC remediation projects can be delivered while buildings remain operational, particularly where careful planning, phased construction, temporary protection and effective stakeholder communication are in place.

Working within occupied schools, commercial premises, public-sector buildings and live operational environments requires detailed programming, safe segregation, clear access routes, temporary works planning and close coordination with building users.

Starfish Construction plans RAAC works around safety, continuity and operational requirements to minimise disruption wherever possible. Visit our London School RAAC Remediation project case study to gain a better understanding of the process in an occupied building environment. 

Duty holders should retain clear records showing how RAAC has been identified, assessed, managed and remediated. This may include survey reports, intrusive inspection findings, structural assessments, risk classifications, temporary works information, remediation strategies, design calculations, method statements, compliance records, as-built information, O&M manual updates and ongoing inspection schedules.

Where the Building Safety Act applies, these records may also support wider duty holder responsibilities, including evidence of competent appointments, risk management, prescribed documents, safety case information, Gateway requirements and Golden Thread records.

Starfish Construction has developed a practical RAAC Management Duty Holder Guidance and Checklist to help building owners, surveyors, property managers and duty holders understand the key responsibilities involved when RAAC is identified or suspected. The guide covers five key compliance priorities, including confirming material and structural condition, establishing risk and immediate controls, defining a remediation or removal strategy, ensuring Building Safety Act compliance and maintaining the Golden Thread of information.