The consequence of spalling during a fire is often seen as what?

Spalling refers to the breaking off of layers or chunks from the surface of a material, commonly seen in concrete or masonry that has been subjected to high temperatures during a fire. When exposed to intense heat, the moisture within the material can form steam, causing internal pressure that leads to pieces of the material breaking free. This phenomenon can significantly compromise the structural integrity of a building, as it may reduce the material's load-bearing capacity, adding to the potential hazards in a fire scenario. Thus, the occurrence of chunks of material breaking off is a critical consequence of spalling that firefighters and building inspectors need to assess when evaluating the safety of a structure after a fire.