Florida DOT Concrete Batchman/Operator Practice Exam

When weighing pozzolans and/or slag with cement in a cumulative weigh hopper, how must the cement be weighed?

1. First

2. Last

3. Simultaneously

4. Never while measuring aggregates

The correct answer is: First

When weighing pozzolans and/or slag with cement in a cumulative weigh hopper, the correct method is to weigh the cement first. This is important because cement typically has very specific weight requirements and properties that need to be considered before adding any other materials. By weighing the cement first, you ensure that it is accurately measured and allows for precise calculation of the total weight required for the mix design. Additionally, weighing cement first helps in maintaining a cleaner workflow in the batching process and avoids potential contamination of the other materials that are likely to follow. While pozzolans and slag can also be weighed accurately, starting with the cement establishes a clear baseline for achieving the correct mix ratios required in concrete production. Weighing the cement last or simultaneously with other materials could lead to inaccuracies that may affect the overall quality of the concrete mix. It's critical to maintain the integrity of the measurement process to meet industry standards and specifications.