ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician - Grade I Practice Exam

What should be done to test specimens upon completion of initial curing?

1. They should be left in their molds

2. They must be demolished and placed in water storage

3. They should be dried in a warm environment

4. They can be sealed in plastic bags only

The correct answer is: They must be demolished and placed in water storage

Upon completion of initial curing, the correct procedure is to demolish the test specimens and place them in water storage. This method is crucial because it ensures that the specimens remain saturated, which is essential for their strength development and proper hydration of the cementitious materials. Proper curing conditions help maintain moisture, especially for concrete, as it allows for continued hydration. Furthermore, placing specimens in water storage protects them from drying out, which could negatively affect their properties and lead to inaccurate test results. It is important to maintain curing conditions that adequately mimic the environment in which the concrete will ultimately be placed, focusing on temperature and moisture levels. While leaving specimens in their molds or sealing them in plastic bags may seem beneficial initially, these methods do not provide the same level of hydration that water storage does. Additionally, drying them in a warm environment is not advisable, as it can promote rapid evaporation and lead to cracking or other issues in the concrete. Thus, demolishing the specimens and immersing them in water is the best practice for ensuring reliable test results.