---
title: "Effect of weathering on materials"
subject: "Civil Engineering Materials"
chapter: 1
key: "semester_3/civil_engineering_materials:weathering-effect-materials"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/weathering-effect-materials
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Effect of weathering on materials

Civil Engineering Materials · Chapter 1: Introduction to Civil Engineering Material

- Asked in: 2081 Kartik (new course), 1 marks
- Video: [Precautions to retard decaying action of weathering agencies on stones, Construction materials topic](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gihFXpBYk2o) — A Universal Truth For You
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/weathering-effect-materials
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/chapter-1

## Question

How does weathering affect civil engineering 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.

## Answer

**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.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Weathering is
   A. only loading
   B. only fire
   C. only abrasion
   D. the combined action of rain, sun, wind, frost and chemicals
   Answer: D. Definition. (Key point: Meaning)

2. Frost damage occurs because water in pores
   A. freezes and expands, causing spalling
   B. evaporates and shrinks
   C. dissolves the stone
   D. turns to steam
   Answer: A. Expanding ice spalls the surface. (Key point: Frost damage)

3. Steel exposed to moist air
   A. gains strength
   B. rusts and loses section
   C. becomes tougher
   D. turns brittle by heating
   Answer: B. Corrosion is a weathering effect. (Key point: Corrosion)

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