Newcastle Uni is investigating the use of dangerous concrete on campus after national concern

Newcastle University is currently investigating the use of crumbly and unsafe concrete on its campus, The Northern Echo reports.

This comes after dangerous reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) had been identified at The University of St Andrews, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier and The University of Dundee.

RAAC is a cheaper alternative to standard concrete, however, it has a lifespan of around 30 years and has become a major safety concern in recent weeks; the building material has proved to crumble and consequently collapse when exposed to moisture.

Newcastle University is among Northumbria, Teesside, Sunderland and York who are also looking into the issue.

A spokesperson for Newcastle said: “There is no evidence that we have any RAAC in any of our buildings.”

The University has also assured concerned parties that active precautions are being taken: “As part of our regular programme of work we carry out annual building condition surveys which are led by our qualified building surveyors.”

At present, none of the above institutions have found any evidence of RAAC on their properties.

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