Environmental Weathering
Environmental Weathering - Related Videos
01:07
What is Weather?
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2019
Overview Weather refers to the current state of atmospheric conditions at a specific time and place. Weather is temporary and is influenced by the interactions between the sun, atmosphere (gases around the Earth), hydrosphere (the water bodies of the Earth), and geosphere (the land portion of the Earth). As all of these factors differ across location and time, different weather can be observed across the planet. Solar Radiation and the Greenhouse Effect Solar radiation penetrates the...
07:47
Experimental Protocol to Investigate Particle Aerosolization of a Product Under Abrasion and Under Environmental Weathering
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2016
In this article, an experimental protocol to investigate particle aerosolization of a product under abrasion and under environmental weathering is presented. Results on the emission of engineered nanomaterials, in the form of aerosols are presented. The specific experimental set-up is described in detail.
01:20
Hot Weather Concreting
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2024
Concreting at elevated temperatures accelerates the hydration process, leading to quicker setting but potentially reducing the long-term strength of the concrete structure. Additionally, low air humidity fosters rapid moisture loss from the concrete, resulting in reduced workability, pronounced plastic shrinkage, and a higher likelihood of crazing. Mitigating the heat increase in concrete can be economically achieved by shading aggregate stockpiles to prevent heating from solar radiation,...
01:27
Cold Weather Concreting
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2024
When freshly poured concrete is exposed to freezing temperatures before it has set, the water within the concrete can freeze. This expansion disrupts the setting process, delays chemical reactions necessary for hardening, and increases the volume of pores within the hardened concrete, which weakens its overall structure. If the concrete manages to reach an appreciable strength before it freezes, the damage can be somewhat mitigated. To counteract the negative impacts of cold weather, ensuring...
01:34
Environmental Enrichment for Rodents
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2026
All animal procedures described here must be conducted in accordance with institutional animal ethics guidelines and approved by IACUC. All procedures must follow the principles of the 3Rs—Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement—and must be performed by trained personnel. Environmental enrichment involves objects and practices that encourage natural behaviors, improve psychological well-being, and promote better welfare in laboratory rodents. Environmental enrichment should be tailored to the...
FAQs
These conditions can drive different but connected forms of damage. Moisture supports chemical reactions such as hydrolysis and can contribute to corrosion, while oxygen promotes oxidation. Ultraviolet radiation can further reduce material performance during exposure. Considering these factors together helps engineers evaluate how environmental conditions may alter durability rather than assessing each stress in isolation.
Repeated temperature changes can expose materials to changing environmental stresses over time. Freeze-thaw conditions are especially important because they represent a recurring exposure condition that may contribute to physical damage. Including temperature cycling and freeze-thaw effects in durability assessments helps engineers judge whether a material or design can maintain performance throughout its intended service life.
Airborne pollutants can add chemical stresses to those produced by moisture, oxygen, radiation, and temperature changes. Their presence may promote reactions such as corrosion or alter how materials respond during exposure. Engineers therefore consider pollutant exposure when evaluating durability, selecting materials, and improving protective coatings for structures, vehicles, and manufactured products.
Outdoor exposure testing examines material behavior under natural environmental conditions, whereas accelerated weathering tests are used to evaluate performance under intensified or controlled exposure conditions. Together, these approaches provide complementary evidence about durability. Comparing their results can support material selection, coating improvement, and predictions about maintenance needs without relying on only one testing environment.
An evaluation begins by identifying the environmental conditions relevant to service, such as moisture, ultraviolet radiation, temperature cycling, freeze-thaw exposure, oxygen, or pollutants. Engineers then use outdoor exposure, accelerated weathering tests, or both to examine performance. The findings guide material selection, protective-coating decisions, and estimates of future maintenance requirements.
Engineers use these studies when designing or selecting materials for structures, vehicles, and manufactured products that must remain reliable during environmental exposure. The results help compare durability, improve protective coatings, and anticipate performance loss. This information supports safer designs, longer service life, and maintenance planning that reflects expected environmental conditions.