Based on severity, spalls can be categorized as minor, intermediate, or major. Appropriate repair materials and methods differ significantly depending on the spall depth, size (area), cause(s) and configuration (horizontal, vertical, or overhead). The guidelines in this section help define various spall types. These are general definitions; depending on the circumstances, the Engineer may define spall severity differently than these definitions, on a case-by-case basis.

This section does not apply to spalls in the riding surfaces of bridge decks. Refer to the Chapter 3 sections on Bridge Deck Repair when addressing such damage.