ACI Concrete Strength Testing Technician Practice Test

What two requirements do the capping procedures for concrete cylinders and cores meet?

1. Strength and flexibility

2. Planeness and perpendicularity

3. Durability and aesthetics

4. Resistance and longevity

The correct answer is: Planeness and perpendicularity

The correct choice emphasizes the importance of planeness and perpendicularity in the capping procedures for concrete cylinders and cores. These two characteristics are crucial for ensuring that the ends of the concrete specimens are prepared correctly for strength testing. Planeness means that the surface of the capping material must be even, allowing for an accurate assessment of the concrete's compressive strength. If the ends are not plane, the load may not be distributed evenly across the surface during testing, leading to inaccurate results. Perpendicularity refers to the orientation of the capped surfaces relative to the axis of the cylinder or core. Proper alignment ensures that the load applied during the strength testing is vertical and uniform, which is essential for obtaining valid compressive strength values. Meeting these two requirements helps provide reliable data on the concrete's performance, which is vital for quality control and assurance in construction practices.