ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician - Grade I Practice Exam

The container for obtaining the concrete sample can be any of the following except?

1. Plastic bucket

2. Metal pan

3. Wheelbarrow

4. Flat, clean nonabsorbent mixing board

The correct answer is: Plastic bucket

The selection of a container for obtaining a concrete sample is governed by certain standards to ensure that the sample is representative and free from contamination. In the context of this question, the correct answer regarding which container cannot be used is the plastic bucket. Plastic buckets can pose problems because certain types of plastic can interact with the concrete mix. For example, some plastics can leach chemicals that may affect the properties of the concrete, and their surface may not be as easy to clean as other materials. In contrast, metal pans, wheelbarrows, and flat, clean nonabsorbent mixing boards are materials that are durable, easy to clean, and do not interfere with the concrete’s composition. Using materials that are nonabsorbent and inert is vital in maintaining the integrity of the concrete sample. The other options are considered acceptable because they do not have the same risks of interaction, contamination, or absorption that plastic containers can present.