What is thermal shock in concrete?

Thermal shock occurs when concrete is exposed to rapid and extreme temperature changes (e.g., steam cleaning a cold floor or hot industrial spills). The rapid expansion and contraction cause surface crazing, cracking, and delamination. In environments prone to thermal shock (like food processing plants), we use heavy-duty polyurethane (PU) concrete screeds which have a thermal expansion coefficient similar to concrete, allowing them to expand and contract without failing.