Module 3 Hmk Quiz Q4

[Ben Gorman]

Here is Question 4, along with my thoughts about how to answer it. I don’t know whether or not I have the correct answer. I would be really interested in your comments.

Be aware that the online quiz tends to change the order of the answer options.

**** BACKGROUND TO QUIZ QUESTION ****

Walls
The bricks used have some imperfections – a result of variation in quality of the local clay used and an inconsistent firing process – and so are relatively rough and fissured in texture. However they appear have stood up to the exposed weather conditions reasonably well. Nonetheless there are areas of the brickwork surface that have spalled (area f).

**** QUIZ QUESTION ****

Quiz question 4
Why might this have happened?
1. A broken down pipe has allowed rainwater to wash the face of the brick away
2. The harder cement repointing has led to bricks staying wetter for longer and
the trapped water has frozen in cold weather, expanded and damaged the brick surface.

**** MY THOUGHTS ****

I am definitely convinced 2 is correct because I know about freeze-thaw action. I could also consider 1 because over a long time the brickwork could be washed away (links back to Q2).

[Tim Gilbert]

Hi Ben,

I too took 2. The force exerted by expanding ice can split mountains over time.

Tim

[Author]

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