Final answer:
The correct term describing the crumbling and loss of concrete material when exposed to heat is 'spalling'. It's a result of thermal stress due to moisture expansion within the concrete.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that refers to the crumbling and loss of concrete material when exposed to heat is spalling. This is a destructive phenomenon associated with thermal stress, which occurs due to the expansion of moisture within the concrete when it is heated, leading to cracking or flaking of the concrete's surface. In a broader context, thermal stress can be responsible for various structural issues, such as roadways buckling, power lines sagging, glass cracking, and even metal implants in the body failing due to differential expansion and contraction.