What is it called when trapped moisture in concrete is heated to steam and expands, causing parts of the concrete to break away?

The term for when trapped moisture within concrete is subjected to heat and expands into steam, causing fragments of the concrete to break away, is spalling. This phenomenon typically occurs during situations like vehicle fires, where intense heat can create significant thermal stresses within the concrete structure. As the moisture expands rapidly, it exerts pressure on the concrete, leading to surface flaking or breaking off, which is characterized as spalling.

Understanding spalling is crucial because it highlights the potential weaknesses in concrete structures when exposed to high temperatures, which is vital knowledge for firefighters and those involved in fire safety. Being aware of this can guide fire suppression strategies and contribute to assessing structural integrity after a fire incident.