ACI Concrete Strength Testing Technician Practice Test

What is a requirement for load-bearing and support blocks?

1. They should be 3.00 inches high or less

2. They should be in contact with the rod or ball

3. They must be adjustable

4. They should be wider than the specimen

The correct answer is: They should be in contact with the rod or ball

The requirement that load-bearing and support blocks should be in contact with the rod or ball is fundamental to ensuring accurate and reliable testing of concrete strength. When performing tests such as compressive strength or other load tests, it's crucial that the load is applied uniformly and directly to the concrete specimen. If the support blocks do not properly contact the rod or ball, it could lead to uneven load distribution, which might result in inaccurate test results, affecting the integrity and reliability of the data obtained. Effective load transfer is essential for replicating real-world conditions where loads are applied directly onto concrete elements, allowing for a true measure of the specimen's strength capacity. In the context of the other options, while height may be relevant to physical constraints, having adjustable blocks, or ensuring that blocks are wider than the specimen can have their own importance, these factors do not directly influence the load application process as ensuring that the support components are properly in contact does.