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Quizzes > Science > Other Sciences

Test Your Basic Concrete Technology Skills

Challenge your skills with our pre-training concrete analysis and materials test

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper cut art of cement bag, trowel, measuring cylinder and rebar on coral background quiz banner

Calling all builders and engineering enthusiasts: Are You a Concrete Pro? Dive into our free basic concrete technology quiz to put your skills to the test. From mastering mixing ratios and cement types to exploring strength testing and aggregate selection, our quiz covers essential concrete technology questions and offers a thorough concrete materials test. Perfect for anyone prepping with pre-training concrete analysis or aiming for a solid concrete knowledge assessment, it's your chance to gauge expertise in a fun, interactive format. Ready to verify every pore and slump? Check your concrete answers or warm up with a reinforced concrete practice test before you start. Click now to begin your free quiz journey!

Which four ingredients are the primary components of conventional concrete?
Cement, water, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate
Cement, sand, steel fibers, admixture
Lime, water, gravel, chemical accelerator
Clay, water, sand, fly ash
Concrete is produced by mixing cement, water, fine aggregate (sand), and coarse aggregate (gravel or crushed stone), which together form the binding paste and structural bulk. The cement hydrates when water is added, creating a hardened matrix that locks the aggregates in place. No other primary ingredients are required for basic concrete mix design. https://www.cement.org/cement-concrete-construction/concrete
What does the water–cement ratio (w/c) represent in concrete mix design?
Mass of water to mass of cement
Volume of water to volume of cement
Mass of water to volume of concrete
Volume of water to mass of aggregate
The water–cement ratio is defined as the weight of water divided by the weight of cement in a concrete mix. It is a critical factor controlling strength and durability: lower ratios yield higher strength but may reduce workability. Appropriate adjustments balance performance with ease of placement. https://www.cement.org/cement-concrete-construction/concrete/understanding-the-water-cement-ratio
Which test is used to measure the consistency or workability of fresh concrete on-site?
Slump test
Compression test
Flexural test
Tensile test
The slump test determines fresh concrete’s workability by measuring how much a standard conical sample subsides under its own weight. It is quick, simple, and widely used on construction sites. A greater slump indicates higher workability but may signal too much water. https://www.cement.org/cement-concrete-construction/concrete-testing/slump-test
What is the typical compressive strength target (in MPa) for normal structural concrete after 28 days of curing?
30 MPa
10 MPa
60 MPa
100 MPa
Normal structural concrete commonly targets around 30 MPa (approximately 4,350 psi) after 28 days of proper curing. This strength meets the needs of most commercial and residential applications. Higher-strength mixes are used for specialized structures. https://www.cement.org/cement-concrete-construction/concrete/strength
Which admixture is primarily used to improve workability without increasing water content?
Superplasticizer
Air-entraining agent
Accelerator
Retarder
Superplasticizers, also known as high-range water reducers, significantly enhance concrete workability at a given water–cement ratio. They enable lower w/c ratios for stronger concrete without sacrificing slump. Their use is common in high-performance and self-consolidating mixes. https://www.cement.org/learn/cement-concrete-basics/additives-admixtures
What property does an air-entraining agent improve in concrete?
Freeze–thaw resistance
Compressive strength
Flexural strength
Thermal conductivity
Air-entraining agents introduce microscopic air bubbles that relieve internal pressure during freeze–thaw cycles, greatly improving durability in cold climates. While entrained air slightly reduces strength, the trade-off is beneficial for resistance to scaling and cracking. https://www.cement.org/learn/cement-concrete-basics/additives-admixtures/air-entrainment
Which of these describes the standard curing temperature for concrete in laboratory conditions?
23°C (73°F)
5°C (41°F)
50°C (122°F)
100°C (212°F)
Standard laboratory curing for concrete specimens is conducted at 23°C (73°F) with high humidity to simulate ideal hydration conditions. This baseline ensures repeatable strength results for quality control. Field conditions may vary but use this standard for testing. https://www.astm.org/Standards/C511.htm
Which binder type is most commonly used in general-purpose concrete?
Portland cement Type I
Portland cement Type II
Portland cement Type III
Portland cement Type V
Portland cement Type I is the standard general-purpose cement used in normal applications where special sulfate resistance or rapid strength gain is not required. It provides balanced performance in terms of strength and durability. https://www.cement.org/cement-concrete-construction/cement-types
What is the function of fine aggregate in concrete?
Fill voids and provide cohesion
Prevent shrinkage cracking
Act as a chemical accelerator
Increase air content
Fine aggregate (sand) fills the spaces between coarse aggregates and contributes to the overall cohesion and workability of the mix. It helps reduce bleeding and segregation. Proper grading ensures a dense, workable concrete. https://www.cement.org/learn/cement-concrete-basics/concrete-ingredients/fine-aggregate
Which slump reading indicates very stiff concrete?
0–25 mm
100–150 mm
200–250 mm
300–350 mm
A slump of 0–25 mm (0–1 inch) indicates very stiff concrete with low workability, often used for pavements and blocks. Higher slumps correspond to more fluid mixes but can risk segregation. Choose slump based on placement requirements. https://www.cement.org/learn/cement-concrete-basics/concrete-ingredients/slump-test
What is the main purpose of curing concrete?
Ensure proper hydration of cement
Accelerate drying
Increase slump
Reduce aggregate content
Curing maintains moisture and temperature conditions so cement particles fully hydrate, which develops strength and durability. Without proper curing, concrete can crack, become porous, and achieve lower strength. Methods include water ponding, wet coverings, and curing compounds. https://www.cement.org/cement-concrete-construction/concrete-curing
Which form of cement hydration product primarily provides concrete strength?
Calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H)
Calcium hydroxide
Ettringite
Gypsum
Calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) is the principal binding phase in hardened concrete, providing most of its mechanical strength and durability. Calcium hydroxide forms too but contributes little strength. Controlling hydration optimizes C-S-H development. https://www.cement.org/learn/cement-concrete-basics/concrete-chemistry
What effect does increasing the water–cement ratio have on concrete strength?
Decreases strength
Increases strength
No effect on strength
Only affects color
A higher water–cement ratio creates more capillary pores in hardened concrete, reducing density and lowering compressive strength. Conversely, reducing w/c ratio increases strength but may reduce workability. Proper mixture design balances these factors. https://www.cement.org/cement-concrete-construction/concrete/strength
Which aggregate property is most critical to preventing freeze–thaw damage in concrete?
Low absorption and good durability
High porosity
Angular shape
High specific gravity
Aggregates with low water absorption and high durability resist damage from repeated freeze–thaw cycles, reducing internal stresses. Porous or weak aggregates can deteriorate and weaken the concrete. Selection of quality aggregates is crucial in cold climates. https://www.cement.org/learn/concrete-ingredients/aggregates
Which test method determines the 28-day compressive strength of concrete?
Cube or cylinder compression test
Slump test
Impact test
Ultrasonic pulse velocity
Standard compression tests on cured concrete cubes or cylinders measure the maximum load resisted, determining 28-day strength. This is the primary quality control test for structural concrete. Slump and other tests assess fresh properties. https://www.cement.org/cement-concrete-construction/concrete-testing/compression-testing
Which mineral admixture reacts with calcium hydroxide to form additional cementitious compounds?
Fly ash
Sand
Gravel
Water
Fly ash is a pozzolan that reacts with calcium hydroxide produced during cement hydration to form extra C-S-H, enhancing strength and reducing permeability. Pozzolanic reactions improve long-term durability. https://www.cement.org/learn/cement-concrete-basics/additives-admixtures/pozzolans
Which Portland cement type provides moderate sulfate resistance?
Type II
Type I
Type V
Type III
Type II cement contains reduced C3A levels compared to Type I, giving it moderate sulfate resistance suitable for some soils and groundwater. Type V offers high resistance, while Type I has none. Use Type II where moderate exposure occurs. https://www.cement.org/cement-concrete-construction/cement-types#type2
In concrete mix design, what does 'SSD' aggregate condition refer to?
Saturated surface–dry
Slightly submerged density
Standard specific density
Surface saturation depth
SSD means aggregates are fully saturated internally but have no surface moisture. This state ensures accurate water calculations in the mix. Other moisture conditions require corrections. https://www.cement.org/learn/concrete-ingredients/aggregates/moisture-content
Which property of fresh concrete is most directly indicated by a higher slump value?
Higher workability
Higher strength
Lower density
Lower air content
Slump specifically measures fresh concrete’s workability or flow. A greater slump indicates a more fluid mix, which is easier to place but may require admixtures to maintain strength. Strength is assessed by compression tests, not slump. https://www.cement.org/learn/cement-concrete-basics/concrete-ingredients/slump-test
What is the effect of adding silica fume to a concrete mix?
Increases strength and reduces permeability
Decreases strength
Increases bleed water
Increases air content significantly
Silica fume is an ultrafine pozzolan that refines pore structure, boosting compressive strength and reducing permeability. It fills microscopic voids and reacts with calcium hydroxide. It may reduce workability without superplasticizers. https://www.cement.org/learn/cement-concrete-basics/additives-admixtures/silica-fume
Which mechanical test measures concrete’s tensile strength indirectly?
Split-cylinder (Brazilian) test
Slump test
Flexural test
Rebound hammer test
The split-cylinder or Brazilian test loads a concrete cylinder diametrically, creating tensile stresses that split it. This provides an indirect measure of tensile strength. Direct tensile tests are more difficult to perform. https://www.cement.org/cement-concrete-construction/concrete-testing/split-tensile-test
What phenomenon causes bleeding in freshly placed concrete?
Water rising to the surface
Cement particles settling
Air entrained escaping
Chemical reactions producing gas
Bleeding is the upward migration of water in fresh concrete due to settlement of heavier solids. Excess bleeding can weaken the paste–aggregate bond and lead to voids under finishing. Proper mix design and vibration control bleeding. https://www.cement.org/learn/concrete-ingredients/concrete-transport-handling/bleeding
Which admixture slows down the set time of concrete in hot weather?
Retarder
Accelerator
Air-entraining agent
Superplasticizer
Retarders delay cement hydration reactions, extending working time and reducing risk of cold joints in hot weather. Common retarders include certain sugars and phosphates. They help maintain slump during transport and placement. https://www.cement.org/learn/cement-concrete-basics/additives-admixtures/retarders
Which measure indicates the density of hardened concrete?
Unit weight (kg/m³)
Slump value
Water–cement ratio
Air content (%)
Unit weight (also called density) of hardened concrete, typically around 2,400 kg/m³, influences structural dead load calculations. It is determined by mass over volume. Fresh density differs due to entrapped air. https://www.cement.org/learn/cement-concrete-basics/concrete-ingredients/weight
What is alkali–silica reaction (ASR) in concrete?
Chemical reaction causing expansion and cracking
Physical aggregation failure
Corrosion of steel reinforcement
Surface efflorescence deposit
ASR occurs when alkalis in cement react with reactive silica in aggregates, forming a gel that swells with moisture, causing expansion and cracking. Prevented by using low-alkali cement or pozzolans. It compromises durability. https://www.cement.org/learn/concrete-ingredients/aggregates/alkali-silica-reactions
Which curing method uses a liquid membrane to retain moisture in concrete?
Curing compound
Water ponding
Wet burlap
Steam curing
Curing compounds form a thin film that prevents moisture loss from concrete, enabling hydration when water ponding or wet coverings are impractical. They come in resin or wax formulations. Proper application rate is critical. https://www.cement.org/learn/cement-concrete-basics/concrete-curing/membrane-curing
Which non-destructive test estimates concrete strength by surface hardness?
Rebound hammer
Ultrasonic pulse velocity
Core drilling
Schmidt hammer penetration
The rebound hammer test measures surface hardness by the rebound of a spring-loaded mass, giving a quick, non-destructive strength estimate. Results correlate with compressive strength but are influenced by surface conditions. Calibration is essential. https://www.cement.org/learn/cement-concrete-construction/concrete-testing/rebound-hammer-test
What is the typical dosage range of superplasticizer by weight of cement?
0.5–2.5%
5–10%
10–15%
20–25%
Superplasticizer dosages typically range from 0.5% to 2.5% of cement weight to achieve high-range water reduction without segregation. Overdosing can cause excessive slump and retardation. Exact dosage depends on product and mix design. https://www.cement.org/learn/cement-concrete-basics/additives-admixtures/superplasticizers
Which mineral admixture is most effective at mitigating alkali–silica reaction?
Silica fume
Limestone powder
Ground granulated blast-furnace slag
Natural sand
Silica fume reduces ASR by consuming calcium hydroxide and lowering pore solution alkalinity while also refining pore structure. Slag can help, but silica fume is most reactive. Selection depends on availability. https://www.cement.org/learn/concrete-ingredients/additives-admixtures/ash-and-slag
What is the critical relative humidity above which internal concrete surfaces remain saturated, promoting potential corrosion?
65%
50%
85%
100%
At around 65% relative humidity, pores remain filled with moisture, creating an electrolyte for steel corrosion while still allowing oxygen access. Lower RH inhibits corrosion by drying pores. Control of permeability is key. https://www.cement.org/learn/concrete-chemistry/corrosion-of-reinforcement
Which statistical method is commonly used for acceptance sampling in concrete quality control?
AQL (Acceptable Quality Level)
Six Sigma
Pareto analysis
SPC (Statistical Process Control)
AQL sampling plans define acceptance criteria for batch testing of concrete strength and slump. It specifies allowable failures in a sample. SPC monitors process variation continuously rather than discrete batches. https://www.astm.org/Standards/C172.htm
What is the main cause of plastic shrinkage cracking in concrete?
Rapid moisture loss from the surface
Excess fine aggregate
Low cement content
Over-vibration
Plastic shrinkage cracks form when concrete’s surface dries and shrinks faster than the underlying concrete can accommodate, usually due to wind, heat, or low humidity. Prompt curing or wind breaks mitigate this. https://www.cement.org/learn/concrete-transport-handling/temperature-and-weather-plastic-shrinkage
Which parameter is measured by the flow table test for mortar or SCC?
Flow diameter
Slump height
Air content
Density
The flow table test measures the spread (diameter) of a mortar or self-compacting concrete sample after jolts, indicating its fluidity. It’s widely used for quality control of SCC rheology. https://www.efnarc.org/
What is the effect of high ambient temperature on concrete setting time?
Shortens setting time
Lengthens setting time
No effect on setting time
Reduces compressive strength always
Elevated temperatures accelerate cement hydration reactions, causing shorter setting times and potentially leading to thermal cracking if not managed. Retarders and cooling measures counteract this. https://www.cement.org/learn/concrete-transport-handling/temperature-and-weather-hot-weather-concreting
Which quality control measure evaluates the uniformity of concrete cubes’ strength results?
Coefficient of variation
Average slump
Unit weight consistency
Standard deviation of air content
Coefficient of variation (COV) of strength test results assesses batch uniformity and process stability, with lower COV indicating consistent quality. Specifications often limit COV to 6–8%. https://www.astm.org/Standards/C1077.htm
Which test determines the density and absorption of aggregates?
Specific gravity and absorption test
Aggregate impact value
Soundness test
Los Angeles abrasion test
The specific gravity and absorption test measures aggregate mass in air and underwater to calculate density and absorption, vital for mix water adjustments. Other tests assess strength and durability differently. https://www.astm.org/Standards/C127.htm
During concrete batching, why is it important to add admixtures after aggregates and cement but before final mixing?
Ensure uniform dispersion
Reduce cement content
Increase air content maximally
Accelerate setting immediately
Adding admixtures to a slurry of cement and water before full mixing ensures they disperse evenly throughout the mix, delivering consistent performance. Early or late addition can reduce effectiveness. https://www.cement.org/learn/cement-concrete-basics/additives-admixtures
What is the primary advantage of using ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS) in concrete?
Improved durability and reduced heat of hydration
Faster early strength gain
Increased bleeding
Significantly higher water demand
GGBFS is a latent hydraulic cementitious material that lowers heat of hydration, improving mass concrete performance and long-term durability while reducing permeability. Early strength gain is slower than plain cement. https://www.cement.org/learn/cement-concrete-basics/additives-admixtures/slag
Which factor most significantly influences the bleeding rate of fresh concrete?
Paste content and gradation
Air-entrainment only
Coarse aggregate shape alone
Ambient temperature alone
Bleeding is controlled by the amount of paste and aggregate gradation: finer paste and well-graded aggregates reduce bleeding, while high paste content increases it. Air entrainment can also reduce bleeding slightly. https://www.cement.org/learn/concrete-transport-handling/bleeding
In a mix design, how does increasing fine aggregate proportion relative to coarse aggregate affect workability?
Improves workability up to a point
Always decreases workability
Has no effect on workability
Increases air content only
Raising fine aggregate proportion fills voids and can improve cohesiveness and workability, but excessive fines increase water demand and reduce flow. A balanced grading yields optimal slump. https://www.cement.org/learn/concrete-ingredients/aggregates/grading
What is the main reason for performing a slump flow test on self-consolidating concrete (SCC)?
Assess flowability without segregation
Measure compressive strength
Check aggregate moisture
Determine air content
Slump flow test measures SCC’s ability to spread under its own weight, indicating flowability and resistance to segregation. It is key for evaluating SCC performance in the field. https://www.efnarc.org/
What is the Universal Model used for in high-performance concrete mix design?
Predict rheology and strength based on particle packing
Calculate thermal conductivity
Estimate curing duration
Predict color variation
The Universal Model integrates particle packing theory and rheology laws to predict how blends of powders, water, and superplasticizer behave, enabling optimization of workability and strength in high-performance concrete. It reduces trial-and-error in mix design. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0958946519310272
Which is the primary mechanism by which nano-silica enhances concrete properties?
Micro-filler effect and pozzolanic reaction
Increases water retention only
Acts as a hydration accelerator exclusively
Reduces cement content by 50%
Nano-silica provides a micro-filler effect filling nanometer-scale voids and a highly reactive pozzolanic surface that consumes calcium hydroxide, thereby refining the pore structure and enhancing strength and durability. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0008884619300326
In performance-based specifications, which parameter is often used in place of prescriptive mix proportions?
Performance criteria like durability index
Specific slump value only
Fixed cement content
Aggregate size distribution only
Performance-based specifications focus on end results—strength, durability, permeability—rather than fixed proportions, giving contractors flexibility to innovate with materials and admixtures that meet specified performance indices. https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/concrete/pubs/hif16019.pdf
What advanced technique uses acoustic emissions to monitor microcracking in real time?
Acoustic emission monitoring
Ultrasonic pulse velocity
Rebound hammer
Thermography
Acoustic emission monitoring detects transient elastic waves from microcracks as they form, enabling real-time assessment of damage processes and early warning of structural distress. It is more sensitive than ultrasonic tests for crack initiation. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0008884617311144
Which statistical control chart is most suited to monitor concrete strength over time?
X-bar and R chart
Pareto chart
Histogram
Cause-and-effect diagram
X-bar and R charts track the mean (X-bar) and range (R) of strength samples, revealing shifts or trends in production quality. They are standard SPC tools for monitoring continuous processes like concrete batching. https://www.astm.org/Standards/E258.htm
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Concrete Constituents -

    Identify the key components of concrete and describe their roles as tested in the basic concrete technology quiz.

  2. Apply Mixing Ratio Principles -

    Calculate optimal cement, water, and aggregate proportions to achieve desired concrete strength and consistency.

  3. Analyze Strength Testing Methods -

    Differentiate between various concrete strength tests and interpret their results for quality control.

  4. Evaluate Mixture Performance -

    Assess the effects of admixtures and aggregate properties on concrete durability and workability.

  5. Identify Knowledge Gaps -

    Pinpoint areas for improvement in your concrete materials test skills to guide further training.

  6. Prepare for Advanced Training -

    Use insights from this concrete knowledge assessment to plan targeted pre-training study and practice.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Water-Cement Ratio Fundamentals -

    The water-cement (w/c) ratio is the single most influential factor on concrete strength and durability, with typical values ranging from 0.4 to 0.6. Remember the formula w/c = mass of water / mass of cement, and use the mnemonic "Clean Water Wins" to recall that lower ratios yield higher compressive strength (e.g., w/c = 0.45 producing ~40 MPa at 28 days).

  2. Optimizing Aggregate Gradation -

    Proper aggregate gradation improves workability and reduces void content; a balanced mix often follows the Fuller curve (d/D)^0.5 distribution for minimal paste requirement. In concrete technology questions, recall that well-graded aggregates (e.g., 60% coarse, 40% fine) minimize water demand and shrinkage, using the phrase "Granular Graduate's Gold."

  3. Cement Hydration & Strength Development -

    Cement hydration transforms clinker phases into calcium - silicate - hydrate (C - S - H) gel and calcium hydroxide, driving strength gain; the reaction Ca₃SiO₅ + H₂O → C - S - H + Ca(OH)₂ is essential knowledge for any concrete materials test. Note that early strength (1 - 7 days) is governed by C₃S, while long-term strength (28 days+) relies on C₂S, aiding in your pre-training concrete analysis.

  4. Workability & Slump Testing -

    The ASTM C143 slump test measures concrete consistency by the vertical settlement of a standard cone, with typical values of 75 - 100 mm indicating medium workability. Practice interpreting slumps in your concrete knowledge assessment and remember the handy tip: "No slump? No pump!" when checking pumpability on the job site.

  5. Curing Best Practices -

    Effective curing maintains moisture and temperature, ensuring proper hydration and minimizing shrinkage cracks; common methods include water ponding, moist burlap, and membrane curing compounds (per ACI 308). In a basic concrete technology quiz, expect to match curing duration (e.g., 7 days for OPC, 3 days for rapid-hardening cement) with target strength, and use "Sealed, Soaked, or Sprayed" to recall key methods.

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