ACI Aggregate Testing Technician Level
1 Exam Practice Questions And Correct
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Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. What is the primary purpose of performing a sieve analysis on coarse
aggregate?
A. To determine the specific gravity
B. To determine the moisture content
C. To determine the particle size distribution
D. To determine the shape of the aggregate
Rationale: Sieve analysis is conducted to determine the particle size
distribution of aggregates, which affects workability and strength of
concrete.
,2. The soundness test of aggregates is designed to evaluate:
A. Particle shape
B. Gradation
C. Resistance to weathering
D. Moisture content
Rationale: Soundness tests, such as the sulfate or freeze-thaw test,
determine the aggregate's resistance to deterioration under
environmental exposure.
3. When performing the organic impurity test on fine aggregate, the
water is observed to be:
A. Clear and colorless
B. Slightly brown
C. Green
D. Cloudy white
Rationale: Slight discoloration indicates the presence of organic
impurities that may affect concrete strength and setting time.
4. What is the typical maximum size of fine aggregate used in concrete?
A. 1 inch
B. ¾ inch
C. ⅜ inch
D. ½ inch
Rationale: Fine aggregate consists of natural sand or crushed stone
with particles smaller than ⅜ inch (9.5 mm).
,5. Which of the following is NOT a type of aggregate?
A. Gravel
B. Crushed stone
C. Recycled concrete
D. Cement
Rationale: Cement is a binder in concrete, not an aggregate.
6. The bulk density test of fine aggregate determines:
A. Moisture content
B. Mass per unit volume including voids
C. Specific gravity
D. Particle shape
Rationale: Bulk density measures the mass of aggregate per unit
volume, including the air voids between particles.
7. When performing a sieve analysis, the sample must be:
A. Wet
B. Dry and representative
C. Heated
D. Coated with oil
Rationale: A dry and representative sample ensures accurate particle
size distribution without clumping or adhesion errors.
8. What is the primary reason for washing fine aggregate before testing?
A. To increase weight
B. To remove dust and clay
, C. To change gradation
D. To improve color
Rationale: Dust and clay can affect test results and concrete
performance, so aggregates are washed to remove them.
9. Specific gravity of aggregates is defined as the ratio of:
A. Weight of aggregate to weight of water
B. Volume of aggregate to volume of water
C. Density of aggregate to density of water
D. Weight of aggregate to volume of cement
Rationale: Specific gravity is the ratio of the density of a material to
the density of water.
10. Which test is used to determine the percentage of voids in
coarse aggregate?
A. Sieve analysis
B. Sand equivalent
C. Organic impurities
D. Bulk density
Rationale: Bulk density measurement helps determine the volume of
voids in aggregate, critical for mix design.
11. The Los Angeles (LA) Abrasion Test measures:
A. Moisture absorption
B. Particle shape
C. Resistance to fragmentation
1 Exam Practice Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of performing a sieve analysis on coarse
aggregate?
A. To determine the specific gravity
B. To determine the moisture content
C. To determine the particle size distribution
D. To determine the shape of the aggregate
Rationale: Sieve analysis is conducted to determine the particle size
distribution of aggregates, which affects workability and strength of
concrete.
,2. The soundness test of aggregates is designed to evaluate:
A. Particle shape
B. Gradation
C. Resistance to weathering
D. Moisture content
Rationale: Soundness tests, such as the sulfate or freeze-thaw test,
determine the aggregate's resistance to deterioration under
environmental exposure.
3. When performing the organic impurity test on fine aggregate, the
water is observed to be:
A. Clear and colorless
B. Slightly brown
C. Green
D. Cloudy white
Rationale: Slight discoloration indicates the presence of organic
impurities that may affect concrete strength and setting time.
4. What is the typical maximum size of fine aggregate used in concrete?
A. 1 inch
B. ¾ inch
C. ⅜ inch
D. ½ inch
Rationale: Fine aggregate consists of natural sand or crushed stone
with particles smaller than ⅜ inch (9.5 mm).
,5. Which of the following is NOT a type of aggregate?
A. Gravel
B. Crushed stone
C. Recycled concrete
D. Cement
Rationale: Cement is a binder in concrete, not an aggregate.
6. The bulk density test of fine aggregate determines:
A. Moisture content
B. Mass per unit volume including voids
C. Specific gravity
D. Particle shape
Rationale: Bulk density measures the mass of aggregate per unit
volume, including the air voids between particles.
7. When performing a sieve analysis, the sample must be:
A. Wet
B. Dry and representative
C. Heated
D. Coated with oil
Rationale: A dry and representative sample ensures accurate particle
size distribution without clumping or adhesion errors.
8. What is the primary reason for washing fine aggregate before testing?
A. To increase weight
B. To remove dust and clay
, C. To change gradation
D. To improve color
Rationale: Dust and clay can affect test results and concrete
performance, so aggregates are washed to remove them.
9. Specific gravity of aggregates is defined as the ratio of:
A. Weight of aggregate to weight of water
B. Volume of aggregate to volume of water
C. Density of aggregate to density of water
D. Weight of aggregate to volume of cement
Rationale: Specific gravity is the ratio of the density of a material to
the density of water.
10. Which test is used to determine the percentage of voids in
coarse aggregate?
A. Sieve analysis
B. Sand equivalent
C. Organic impurities
D. Bulk density
Rationale: Bulk density measurement helps determine the volume of
voids in aggregate, critical for mix design.
11. The Los Angeles (LA) Abrasion Test measures:
A. Moisture absorption
B. Particle shape
C. Resistance to fragmentation
