ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician - Grade I Practice Exam

Sampling is required when tests are to be made to determine _____ with specification requirements.

1. Compliance

2. Strength

3. Durability

4. Workability

The correct answer is: Compliance

Sampling is a crucial step in the testing process because it ensures that the materials used in concrete production meet the established specifications. The term "compliance" refers specifically to the adherence to the specified criteria laid out in relevant standards or building codes. In the context of concrete, compliance testing verifies that the properties of the concrete mix, such as strength, workability, and durability, are within the limits prescribed by the specifications. When sampling is performed for compliance testing, it typically involves collecting a representative portion of the material—such as fresh concrete—so that various tests can be conducted to assess quality attributes. The results of these tests confirm whether the concrete mix conforms to the required specifications, thereby ensuring that it is suitable for the intended structural application. The other choices—strength, durability, and workability—are all important properties of concrete, and while they relate to compliance, they represent specific aspects rather than the overarching requirement of meeting specifications. Thus, the focus on compliance as the correct answer highlights the broader obligation to ensure that the concrete adheres to all specified standards rather than just individual characteristics.