Final answer:
Corner pops in concrete foundations with brick veneer are usually caused by differential thermal movement, construction errors, or soil shifts. Concrete's versatility and durability are beneficial, but its use requires careful consideration of expansion, contraction, and environmental factors to prevent such damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Corner pops in a concrete foundation with brick veneer walls typically occur due to thermal expansion and contraction of materials, improper construction methods, or shifting of the soil beneath the foundation. Brick veneer is a non-structural facing of brick laid on the exterior of a wall, which is typically backed by a concrete foundation. Concrete is a versatile material that possesses durability and can be shaped by the molds into which it is poured. However, changes in temperature and moisture can cause materials like concrete and brick to expand and contract at different rates, leading to separation and, sometimes, the phenomenon known as 'corner pops' where sections of the brick veneer break off at the corners where stress is concentrated.
The ancient Romans developed Roman concrete (opus caementicium), greatly enhancing the durability and versatility of concrete. This advancement allowed builders to be much more creative with structural designs. Still, today's issues with concrete and brick structures, such as corner pops, must be addressed through careful planning and construction techniques to accommodate the materials’ expansion and contraction properties and to account for potential soil movement.