Concrete falling off — exposed rusted steel

Spalling means steel inside concrete has rusted and expanded, bursting the cover. Common on Guwahati balconies, parapets, and coastal-exposed facades after years of monsoon.

Symptoms

• Chunks of concrete falling off
• Visible rust stains on facade
• Exposed rebars on balcony slab edge
• Hollow sound when tapping concrete

Diagnosis

Half-cell potential for corrosion activity, cover depth survey, and delamination mapping. Steel is cleaned, treated, and reinstated with repair mortar.

Is spalling urgent?

Yes. Exposed steel corrodes rapidly — load capacity drops and concrete can fall on people below.