spalling
SPAWL-ing
Definition
The process of surface flaking, chipping, or breaking off in fragments, often occurring in concrete when internal reinforcement rusts and expands.
Etymology
Originating in the 16th century, likely from the Middle English 'spalle' meaning a chip or splinter of stone, the word is of uncertain further origin but is related to the Middle Dutch 'spalle'.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe the structural failure of modern marine concrete, where rusting internal steel causes the concrete surface to crack and break away.
Roman concrete piers built two thousand years ago along the Mediterranean coast are stronger now than the day they were poured, because seawater seeping into the volcanic ash mix triggers the slow growth of a rare crystal called aluminous tobermorite tha
Read the full article ↗ScienceBlog.com