ACI Certification Practice Exam

What is required to include in the preparation of specimens for transport?

1. Direct sunlight exposure

2. Protection from jarring, moisture loss, and freezing

3. Transportation in open vehicles

4. Immediate testing upon arrival

The correct answer is: Protection from jarring, moisture loss, and freezing

For the preparation of specimens for transport, it is essential to protect them from jarring, moisture loss, and freezing. This includes ensuring that the specimens are securely packaged to prevent damage during transit, as well as maintaining the appropriate environmental conditions to ensure their integrity. Preventing jarring is crucial because mechanical shock can alter the properties of many specimens, leading to inaccurate results when they are eventually tested. Moisture loss can drastically affect the weight and physical characteristics of some materials, particularly in the case of concrete or other construction materials that rely on specific water content for accurate assessment. Additionally, freezing can cause materials, especially those containing water, to expand and crack, rendering them unsuitable for testing upon arrival. In contrast, direct sunlight exposure can be detrimental to many specimens because it can lead to changes in temperature and affect chemical compositions. Transportation in open vehicles risks exposure to environmental elements that can compromise the specimens, and immediate testing upon arrival is ideal but not always feasible due to the logistical aspects of sample transport and the potential need for stabilization or conditioning of the specimens prior to testing. Therefore, the correct preparation measures significantly contribute to ensuring accurate and reliable test results.