ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician - Grade I Practice Exam

At the end of the air meter procedure, what must be done with the air meter?

1. It must be sealed

2. It should be discarded

3. It is disassembled and its contents examined

4. It is cleaned and reused

The correct answer is: It is disassembled and its contents examined

At the end of the air meter procedure, disassembling the meter and examining its contents is important for several reasons in the context of ensuring accurate air content measurement in concrete. First, disassembling the air meter allows for an assessment of any residual concrete or other materials that may have accumulated during testing. This step is crucial for maintaining the accuracy of future tests. Any buildup can affect the meter's calibration and lead to erroneous results, impacting the quality of the concrete mix. Second, examining the contents helps to ensure that no air pockets or bubbles remain trapped inside the meter, which could skew the air content reading. Proper care must be taken to ensure that the air meter remains clean and free from contamination between tests. Lastly, thoroughly checking the meter allows the technician to identify any potential wear or damage, ensuring that the equipment is functioning correctly for subsequent tests. This step is part of maintaining quality control and contributes to consistency in results, which is essential for meeting engineering standards and project specifications. In contrast, sealing the meter, discarding it, or cleaning and reusing it without a careful inspection do not address the need to verify the integrity and cleanliness of the meter after use. Each of those actions could compromise the accuracy of air content measurement in subsequent tests