noun
- the breaking off or chipping away of fragments from a surface, especially concrete, stone, or metal, typically due to weathering, impact, or structural stress
Usage: technical; construction
Examples
- The concrete bridge showed signs of spalling after years of freeze-thaw cycles.
- Engineers inspected the building for spalling on the exterior walls.
- The spalling of the stone facade required immediate repair work.
- Heat damage caused spalling on the metal surface of the furnace.
- Regular maintenance can prevent spalling in concrete structures.
- The old statue exhibited spalling due to acid rain exposure.