ACI Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following statements is true regarding obtaining concrete samples?

1. Samples should be taken during the mixing process

2. Samples can be taken after adding admixtures

3. Concrete should only be sampled from completed structures

4. All samples should be taken before mixing starts

The correct answer is: Samples should be taken during the mixing process

The correct statement highlights the importance of sampling concrete at the right stage to ensure that the obtained samples are representative of the concrete that is actually being used in the project. Taking samples during the mixing process allows for assessment of the materials at their most uniform state, ensuring that all components, including cement, aggregates, and water, are homogeneously mixed. Sampling before mixing or from completed structures does not provide an accurate representation of the fresh concrete's characteristics since the properties can change significantly during mixing or after the concrete has hardened. Additionally, while it's feasible to sample after adding admixtures, it may not capture the full effect of the admixtures when mixed improperly or out of sequence. Thus, sampling during mixing is the most effective practice for obtaining an accurate representation of the concrete for quality assurance purposes.