What term refers to the loss of surface concrete over time?

The term that refers to the loss of surface concrete over time is spalling. Spalling occurs when the surface of concrete flakes, chips, or breaks off, which can be caused by various factors including freeze-thaw cycles, exposure to de-icing chemicals, or inadequate curing during the concrete's initial setting. This process compromises the structural integrity of the concrete and can lead to further degradation if not addressed.

Erosion typically refers to the gradual removal of material from a surface by wind, water, or other environmental forces but is not specific to concrete. Cracking involves the creation of fractures within the material but does not necessarily indicate that the surface layer is being lost as spalling does. Weathering denotes the overall processes that change minerals and rocks over time due to environmental exposure, including physical and chemical changes, but is broader and not specific to the loss of the concrete surface. Thus, while all these terms relate to degradation, spalling precisely identifies the condition in which the surface material of concrete deteriorates and is lost.