What is the term for the loss of surface material when concrete is subjected to heat or breaking forces?

The loss of surface material from concrete due to heat or breaking forces is known as spalling. This phenomenon occurs when the surface layer of concrete flakes away or breaks off, often as a result of thermal stress, moisture infiltration, or physical impact.

In situations where concrete is exposed to high temperatures, such as during a fire, the internal moisture can vaporize, leading to an increase in pressure within the concrete. If this pressure exceeds the tensile strength of the material, it can cause sections to break away, resulting in visible damage. Such damage significantly impacts the structural integrity of the concrete, making it crucial for rescue technicians to recognize and address spalling during evaluations of buildings that may have experienced thermal events or physical impacts.

Although other terms like cracking, flaking, and weathering may describe different forms of degradation or deterioration in material surfaces, they do not specifically refer to the process of surface material loss due to heat or force, distinguishing spalling as the precise term in this context.