The past tense and past participle of 'spall,' which means to break off into fragments or chips, especially from a surface due to impact, weathering, or rapid temperature change. This process commonly affects materials like stone, concrete, and metal. The resulting spalls, or fragments, can vary in size and shape, often exposing the underlying material. The term describes the physical detachment of these surface pieces. Understanding 'spalling' is crucial in assessing material degradation and structural integrity in various fields such as construction, archaeology, and geology.
Spalled meaning with examples
- The ancient Roman wall had spalled significantly over centuries of exposure to the elements, revealing the rough brickwork beneath the original facing. Numerous stone pieces lay scattered at its base, testaments to this degradation, with the weather playing its unforgiving role over time.
- During the demolition process, the concrete pillars spalled violently, sending shards of debris flying. Protective measures were immediately put in place for those close by to avoid injury from flying fragments after the initial impact and separation.
- The meteorite's impact caused the crater rim to **spall**, leaving a jagged edge of fragmented rock after the destructive collision. Scientists examined the debris patterns, trying to find clues to the impact angle and composition of the object. The fragmentation provided valuable information for research.
- The extreme heat of the fire caused the ceramic tiles on the hearth to **spall**, creating a hazardous situation. The rapid thermal stress fractured the tiles, which was another concern in the damaged and unstable room. This was quickly inspected to assess the threat.
- After years of freezing and thawing cycles, the road surface began to **spall**, creating potholes and uneven pavement. The asphalt had lost its cohesion, leading to this damage, and traffic flow was impacted, creating issues for many drivers.