Letters to the editor and comments online

Your View 

Materials

Engineers must take some responsibility for Raac

The ICE should hang its head in shame for the present reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) shambles. It does us no good to blame the government and politicians other than for the time taken to do something about it.

It should have been obvious that if you design concrete which is faster to produce, easier to install and cheaper, there will be risks similar to those entailed in the construction of the Grenfell Tower.

There is a big question mark over the cheapness of Raac when you take into account the 30-year lifespan, the need for more regular inspection and the enormous cost now due to the impact relating to delays and repairs on schools and hospitals. Engineering institutions have to act immediately.

Peter Ford Mason (M), contact details withheld

The Editor, New Civil Engineer,
​4th Floor, Harmsworth House, 13-15 Bouverie Street, London EC4Y 8DP
​Email: nceedit@emap.com

Please state whether you require your contact details to be withheld should your letter be published