Structural inspection report results in evacuation of hospital services at Mt Isa

"Concrete cancer" has been noted as a cause for down rating the capacity of columns supporting part of the Mt Isa hospital ward areas.

"Concrete cancer" is a common non-engineering deterioration term typically applied to the action of reinforcement corrosion within a concrete building element resulting in the spalling-off of concrete near steel reinforcing bars just below the surface.  Corrosion can be the result of insufficient concrete cover, poor quality concrete and compaction during placement or adverse environmental conditions that have affected the elements exposure.

Patients evacuated as structure found unsound | Townsville Bulletin News