University of Sussex set to replace crumbling concrete at Falmer
The Falmer campus includes several Brutalist concrete buildings designed by the architect Sir Basil Spence and constructed in the 1960s and 70s.The use of Raac was widespread at the time because it made concrete panels lighter, but it only has a 30-year lifespan, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.In a report to the council, the university said the concrete had deteriorated due to "continuous exposure to moisture"."This results in leaching of its structure, cracking and loss of structural integrity," it added."The Raac planks are past the end of their viable life and pose a risk of brittle failure when traversed."
The university is replacing Raac across the campus, with the first phase having started in April 2024 at Bramber House.
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STV News
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