What effect does a splattered finish have on concrete surfaces exposed to freezing and thawing?

• A. Peels and spalls
• B. Increases abrasion resistance
• C. Improves surface smoothness
• D. Reduces bonding

Answer: (A)

In freezing and thawing conditions, how a surface is textured affects how water moves and what damage occurs. A splattered finish creates a rough, irregular top layer with pockets and voids where water can dwell. When temperatures drop, that water freezes and expands, generating internal pressure that tends to lift or detach the surface. Because the splatter layer is thin and not perfectly bonded everywhere, repeated freeze–thaw cycles cause the outer layer to peel away and spall. So peeling and spalling is the normal consequence for splattered concrete in these conditions.

This texture doesn’t inherently boost abrasion resistance, nor does it improve surface smoothness, and while bonding can be a factor in durability, the main effect here is damage from freeze–thaw rather than a positive bonding outcome.