RAAC works to Domestic Properties in West Lothian

On 17th April 2023 The Institution of Structural Engineers published the Document “Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) Investigation and Assessment – Further Guidance” which amongst other things, altered the recommended minimum end bearing for RAAC Roof Panels from the previous standard of 45mm to the new standard of 75mm.

Following a structural survey, the presence of RAAC was identified at a number of domestic properties, both common entrance flats and low-rise properties. As such a programme of works is being developed to replace all RAAC roof panels in WLC owned domestic properties.

This contract will target properties in selected streets in the Bathgate, Broxburn, Linlithgow, and Livingston areas of West Lothian. The streets containing the houses in question are a mixture of West Lothian Council owned houses, houses owned by other Registered Social Landlords, as well as privately owned and/or rented houses. All the houses are ex local authority or Development Corporation houses. In the majority the houses are part of terrace rows and West Lothian Council do not own any entire terrace. As such cognisance of the fact that non West Lothian Council houses will be adjacent to houses where work will be taking place and that all efforts will need to be taken to ensure the integrity of both the adjacent structure in terms of stability and weather proofing.

The Contractor shall deliver the following services:

Up to 17 Common Entrance Flats - The works extend to replacement of the RAAC roof planks with a new roof to falls and new roof drainage where required. Works include removing the existing waterproofing roof covering; removal, disposal of the RAAC structural roofing panels and installation of new flat roof, removal and disposal of all existing bin store doors located within each common entrance area, reinstatement of internal services such as lighting and any other electrical services, smoke detection and ventilation ductwork where affected by the works, decoration, removal and replacement of store room doors; and making good to other affected areas. A number of the common entrance blocks are in mixed tenure ownership, and as such they may not be included in the works programme. West Lothian Council will also consider the removal/demolition of the common entrance areas to blocks where majority ownership agreement can be established, and contractors should take cognisance of this. Additional information: It is intended to hold a Supplier Engagement Event on Tuesday 8th October at 10am via MS Teams

An invitation will be issued via email. Please email [email protected] to advise if you wish to attend

Housing Stock Profile

The properties in all the areas in appear to be constructed in approximately late 1960 - early 1970’s with a traditional cavity wall built in. While this information is correct to the best of our records, as a minimum a survey of each architype should be carried out prior to works starting to ensure full details are assessed and understood. These properties have been constructed with RAAC planks over the entire roof of the properties or on a section of flat roof with the remainder of the roof being mono pitch. A number of properties in Bathgate have RAAC Panels over the entrance porch and a further number have RAAC forming the roof of the integrated garage

As a minimum Asbestos Surveys will be provided for each of the property architypes, the Contractor will be responsible for removal & disposal any asbestos that may be disturbed or affected by the work.

Estimated Date of Publication of the Contract Notice

We anticipate to run the tender exercise for 4 weeks from 14th October.