Florida DOT Concrete Batchman/Operator Practice Exam

When can unmetered water be added to the concrete mix?

1. Before batching

2. During transportation

3. After batching

4. Not at all

The correct answer is: Not at all

Unmetered water should not be added to the concrete mix at any time. This practice can lead to inconsistencies in the final concrete product, as the exact water-to-cement ratio is crucial for achieving the desired strength and durability of the concrete. The water must be accurately measured and accounted for within the batching process to ensure that the mix design parameters are followed correctly. Adding water outside of the specified measurements could compromise the integrity of the concrete, leading to issues such as reduced compressive strength, increased porosity, or susceptibility to cracking. Thus, the correct approach is to avoid any unmetered addition of water entirely.