Florida DOT Concrete Batchman/Operator Practice Exam

Water-reducers are used primarily to achieve which of the following?

1. Increase the water content in the mix

2. Reduce the amount of water in a mix while maintaining workability

3. Improve the drying time of concrete

4. Enhance the color of concrete

The correct answer is: Reduce the amount of water in a mix while maintaining workability

Water-reducers are specifically designed to minimize the amount of water required in a concrete mix while still ensuring that the concrete remains workable. By reducing the water content, water-reducers help to enhance the strength and durability of the concrete once it has cured. This is critical because a lower water-to-cement ratio typically leads to stronger and more resilient concrete. Increasing the water content in the mix would counteract the benefits of using a water-reducer, as it could lead to decreased strength and potential issues with workability. Similarly, while improving the drying time of concrete and enhancing color may be desirable outcomes in certain contexts, these are not the primary functions of water-reducers. Instead, their main purpose is solely focused on reducing water content while maintaining the necessary ease of placement and finishing of the concrete.