Concrete surfaces that are frequently subjected to freezing and thawing should NOT have which finishing?

• A. Smooth finish
• B. Textured finish
• C. Splattered finish
• D. Troweled finish

Answer: (C)

Moisture management in concrete is crucial when freezing and thawing are common. Finishes that leave the surface with many voids or microcracks near the top can trap water, and when that water freezes it expands and damages the surface. A splattered finish creates an irregular, pockmarked surface with numerous tiny voids and weak spots right at the paste-aggregate interface. That configuration holds moisture more readily and provides pathways for ice to expand, making spalling and cracking more likely under freeze-thaw cycles. In contrast, smooth or properly cured troweled finishes tend to form a denser surface with fewer capillary openings, and a textured (broomed) finish can provide traction while still allowing moisture to escape, especially when the concrete is air-entrained and properly cured. So, a splattered finish is not suitable for surfaces regularly exposed to freezing and thawing.