Dorset schools being inspected for RAAC concrete

So far, no problems have been found in the county

Author: Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy ReporterPublished 19th Sep 2023

Surveys are underway for Dorset Council-owned buildings to see if they have suspect concrete in them.

So far the inspections, which started in the summer, have found no problems and no building closures have been ordered because of RAAC concrete on the Dorset Council estate.

Although councillors have been told that the surveys are ongoing and the situation could change.

Portfolio holder for council assets, Cllr Andrew Parry, told a committee that the initial surveys carried out on school and college buildings identified for inspections by the Department of Education had found nothing of concern.

Work on other council-owned properties is continuing.

Cllr Parry said that the council would also carry out inspections on any buildings it was considering buying to ensure that RAAC concrete was not present.

The material, reinforced aerated autoclaved concrete, was used in building works during the 50, 60s and 70s, offering a material which was believed to be strong, but only a quarter of the weight of normal reinforced concrete. Its lightness is attributed to being filled with bubble of air.

Problems with deterioration has since led to schools and other buildings across the country being closed, partially closed, or propped up, because of the presence of the substance.

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