Florida DOT Concrete Batchman/Operator Practice Exam

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What is used to calculate specific gravity?

  1. Unit weight / 72.4

  2. Unit weight / 62.4

  3. Unit weight + 62.4

  4. Unit weight * 62.4

The correct answer is: Unit weight / 62.4

The calculation of specific gravity is based on the concept that it compares the density of a material to the density of water, which is typically expressed in pounds per cubic foot. The specific gravity formula is derived by taking the unit weight of the material and dividing it by the unit weight of water. In the context of U.S. customary units, the unit weight of water is approximately 62.4 pounds per cubic foot. Therefore, by dividing the unit weight of the material by 62.4, you derive its specific gravity. This method effectively allows you to understand how dense the material is in relation to water, which is crucial for various applications in concrete mixing and quality control in construction. The other options do not align with the established method for calculating specific gravity, as they either misapply the values or use incorrect mathematical relationships. Thus, the correct application of the formula confirms the selection is accurate and fundamental in understanding material properties within civil engineering and concrete technology.