Spalling
Definition
Fracturing or chipping of concrete from rapid heating. Often misread as evidence of accelerant pour; usually a thermal phenomenon unrelated to ignitable liquids.
Related terms
- Char Depth Gradient
- The depth of charred wood measured at multiple points; deeper char means longer exposure, so the gradient reveals the direction of fire...
- Fire Tetrahedron
- The model of sustained combustion requiring four concurrent elements: fuel, oxidiser, heat, and an uninhibited radical chain reaction. Replacing the older fire...
- Flashover
- The near-simultaneous ignition of all exposed combustible surfaces in a compartment, occurring when the upper gas layer reaches approximately 600°C and radiative...
- ILR
- Ignitable liquid residue. The chemical evidence that an accelerant was used, classified per ASTM E1618 into classes (gasoline, distillates, naphthenic-paraffinic, etc.).
- V-Pattern
- A V-shaped area of heat and smoke damage on a vertical surface, produced by the upward cone of the fire plume; the...
Explained in
- Fire and Burn Pattern InterpretationFracturing or chipping of concrete from rapid heating. Often misread as evidence of accelerant pour; usually a thermal phenomenon unrelated to ignitable liquid...