Lohkeaminen

Lohkeaminen is a Finnish term used in several disciplines to describe fragmentation, cracking, or the deliberate splitting of a material along natural or weaker planes. The word is formed from lohko, meaning block or segment, with the noun-forming suffix -eaminen, indicating a process.

Usage and meaning vary by field. In geology and geomorphology, lohkeaminen refers to the splitting or flaking of rock or mineral surfaces along pre-existing planes of weakness, often driven by weathering, hydration–dehydration, or freeze–thaw cycles. In civil engineering and materials science, the term describes spalling or delamination of concrete, brick, or plaster, typically caused by moisture ingress, temperature changes, or structural stress. In Finnish architecture, lohkeaminen may describe decorative or functional cracking in stone or brick facades.

In literary and cultural contexts, lohkeaminen is sometimes used metaphorically to denote gradual revelation, breakdown of barriers, or the erosion of social norms.

Because the term spans several disciplines, the exact meaning of lohkeaminen should be inferred from context, and Finnish dictionaries or domain-specific glossaries are the best sources for precise definitions.

See also: weathering, spalling, delamination, fragmentation, erosion.