- 2081 Kartik (new course) · 1 mark
Effect of weathering on materials
Short answer
Weathering causes strength loss and surface decay in stone and concrete, corrosion of steel, frost spalling, UV degradation of paints and bitumen, timber warping and rot, and efflorescence on masonry. Materials must be weather-resistant or protected.
How does weathering affect civil engineering materials?
Weathering is the combined action of rain, sun, wind, frost, temperature change and chemicals on materials. Its effects are:
- Loss of strength and surface decay: stone and concrete crack, scale and disintegrate.
- Corrosion: steel rusts in moist air and loses section.
- Frost damage: water freezes in pores and expands, causing spalling.
- Colour fading and chalking: paint, plastics and bitumen degrade under ultraviolet rays.
- Swelling, shrinkage and rotting: timber warps and decays.
- Efflorescence: soluble salts appear on brick and masonry surfaces.
Materials for exposed use must therefore be weather resistant or protected.
✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)
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