Freeze-thaw cycles

Freeze-thaw cycles refer to the natural process where water within or on a material repeatedly freezes into ice and then melts back into liquid. This process causes expansion when water freezes and contraction when it thaws. Over time, these movements can exert stress on rocks, concrete, or other materials, leading to cracks, weakening, or deterioration. It’s a common cause of weathering in colder climates, particularly affecting infrastructure, roads, and building materials. Understanding this cycle helps in designing more durable structures and in predicting natural landscape changes over time.