What must be done if a concrete sample shows signs of early failure during strength testing?

When a concrete sample exhibits signs of early failure during strength testing, it's vital to investigate potential causes like mix errors, improper curing, or specimen defects. Early failure could indicate underlying issues that compromise the integrity and strength of the concrete.

Identifying the root cause is essential for several reasons. First, it helps ensure that subsequent tests yield accurate and reliable results. If the failure is due to mix design errors or improper handling and curing, addressing these issues can improve the quality of future concrete batches. It also provides valuable information that can contribute to the optimization of the mix design or testing procedures.

Taking no action or ignoring the results does not resolve the problem and could lead to faulty assessments in quality control. Additionally, arbitrarily changing the testing method without understanding the reason for the failure might lead to incorrect conclusions about the concrete’s properties. Similarly, increasing the amount of water in the mix in response to early failure may exacerbate issues related to strength and durability rather than rectify them. Therefore, careful investigation is the appropriate and responsible approach to ensure the integrity of the testing process and the quality of the concrete.