FREE ACI Strength Testing Technician Questions and Answers
Samples cannot be taken before the batch has been released (_________) or after (_________).
According to standard procedures such as ASTM C172/C172M, sampling of concrete should begin after 20% of the batch has been discharged and should be completed before 80% of the batch has been discharged. This range ensures that the samples obtained are representative of the entire batch of concrete being used in the construction project.
Sampling too early may not provide an accurate representation of the concrete mix, as it may not be fully mixed or homogeneous. On the other hand, sampling too late may result in samples that do not accurately reflect the properties of the concrete at the beginning of the discharge process.
Therefore, adhering to the specified range of 20% to 80% of batch discharge ensures that the samples obtained are reliable and representative of the concrete being used.
The amount of time that has passed between when the slump cone is first filled and when it is removed shall not exceed:
According to standard procedures such as ASTM C143/C143M, the elapsed time between the start of filling the slump cone and the removal of the cone must be no more than 2 1/2 minutes. This time limit ensures that the slump test is conducted promptly and that the concrete's workability is accurately assessed while it is still in its fresh state.
Exceeding the 2 1/2-minute time limit may result in inaccurate slump measurements, as the properties of the concrete can change over time due to factors such as hydration and setting. Therefore, it's important to complete the slump test within the specified timeframe to obtain reliable and consistent results.
As to ASTM C172, the duration between acquiring the initial and final parts of the composite sample cannot be greater than:
The correct answer is: Two or more regularly spaced intervals during discharge of the middle portion of the batch.
Sampling fresh concrete at the job site is crucial to ensure that it meets the required specifications and quality standards. According to standard procedures such as ASTM C172/C172M, sampling should be done from two or more regularly spaced intervals during the discharge of the middle portion of the batch. This approach ensures that the samples obtained are representative of the entire batch of concrete being used in the construction project.
Sampling from the beginning of mixer discharge or from the last concrete discharged may not provide a representative sample of the entire batch. The properties of concrete can vary throughout the mixing and transportation process, so sampling from the middle portion of the batch at regular intervals helps to account for any potential variations in the concrete mix.
Sampling from the beginning of mixer discharge or from the last concrete discharged may not provide a representative sample of the entire batch. The properties of concrete can vary throughout the mixing and transportation process, so sampling from the middle portion of the batch at regular intervals helps to account for any potential variations in the concrete mix.
In any event, wait to get samples until:
In concrete mixing procedures, it's crucial to ensure that all the water and admixtures have been thoroughly incorporated into the concrete mix before obtaining samples for testing. This ensures that the sample accurately represents the entire batch of concrete being used in the construction project. Sampling too early, before all the water and admixtures are added, can lead to inconsistent results and may not provide an accurate representation of the concrete's properties.
Waiting until all the water and admixtures have been added allows for a homogenous mix to be obtained, which is essential for conducting reliable tests on the concrete's properties such as slump, air content, compressive strength, etc. Therefore, it's important to adhere to this guideline to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the test results.
It is important to elevate the droop cone cautiously, steadily, and vertically in ________ seconds.
When performing the slump test on concrete, the slump cone should be raised carefully, vertically upward, in a steady motion. According to standard procedures such as ASTM C143/C143M, the duration for raising the slump cone should typically be between 3 to 7 seconds. This timeframe ensures that the test is conducted consistently and that the results accurately reflect the workability of the concrete mix.
Raising the slump cone too quickly or too slowly may affect the results of the test, leading to inaccuracies in the measurement of slump. Therefore, it's important to adhere to the specified duration for raising the slump cone to ensure consistency and reliability in the test results.
What is one reason, under ASTM C1064, to take a concrete's temperature?
According to ASTM C1064, one reason to take the temperature of concrete is to verify ambient air temperature.
ASTM C1064 is a standard test method for temperature of freshly mixed hydraulic-cement concrete. Monitoring the temperature of the concrete allows construction professionals to ensure that it is within the acceptable range for proper curing and hydration. Additionally, knowing the ambient air temperature is important because it can influence the rate of concrete setting and curing. Therefore, verifying ambient air temperature is a critical aspect of ensuring that the concrete will set and cure as expected.
The slump needs to be calculated to the closest
When measuring slump in concrete, it should be measured to the nearest quarter of an inch. This level of precision ensures accurate and consistent measurement of the slump, which is essential for assessing the workability and consistency of the concrete mix.
Measuring to the nearest tenth of an inch, half of an inch, or one inch would not provide sufficient precision for evaluating the slump accurately. Conversely, measuring to the nearest quarter of an inch allows for more precise and reliable assessment of the slump, enabling construction professionals to make informed decisions about the concrete's suitability for the intended application.
Therefore, adhering to the standard of measuring slump to the nearest quarter of an inch helps ensure the quality and performance of the concrete in construction projects.
To sample concrete from a truck mixer's chute, do the following:
The correct answer is: Passing a receptacle completely through the discharge stream or by completely diverting the discharge into the sample container.
According to standard procedures such as ASTM C172/C172M, sampling concrete from the chute of a truck mixer should involve passing a receptacle completely through the discharge stream or diverting the entire discharge into a sample container. This method ensures that the sample obtained is representative of the concrete being discharged from the truck mixer.
Raising the chute to stop the flow and scooping concrete from there, as well as holding a shovel in the flow and directing half into a bucket, are not recommended methods for sampling concrete from the chute of a truck mixer. These methods may result in samples that are not representative of the entire discharge stream or may introduce contamination or inaccuracies into the sample.
Therefore, it's important to follow the specified procedure for sampling concrete from the chute of a truck mixer to ensure that the samples obtained are reliable and representative of the concrete being used in the construction project.
Begin testing for slump and air content within after sampling is finished.
In concrete testing procedures, particularly for slump and air content, it's crucial to begin the tests promptly after sampling is completed to ensure accurate results. According to standard procedures such as ASTM C143/C143M for slump and ASTM C231/C231M for air content, the tests should ideally commence within 2 ½ minutes after the sampling process. This ensures that the concrete's properties are assessed while it is still in its fresh state and before any significant changes occur due to setting or other environmental factors.
Starting the tests promptly also minimizes the risk of errors or inconsistencies in the results. Therefore, it's important to adhere to the specified timeframes outlined in the testing standards to maintain the reliability and accuracy of the test outcomes.
Samples of recent concrete that will be evaluated on the job site should come from:
Following the thermometer's insertion into the concrete:
Each of the listed actions serves a specific purpose in ensuring accurate measurement and proper placement of the thermometer in the concrete. Gently pressing the concrete around the thermometer helps to ensure good contact between the concrete and the thermometer, which is important for accurate temperature readings. Cooling the surface of the concrete with water can help prevent any potential temperature gradients or localized heating that might affect the accuracy of the measurement. Tapping the side of the container helps to dislodge any air bubbles that may have formed around the thermometer during the placement process, ensuring that the thermometer is surrounded by concrete on all sides for an accurate reading. Therefore, all three actions are typically performed after placing the thermometer in the concrete.