A quality control plan specifies that concrete strength tests must be performed on every 50 cubic yards of concrete placed. A foundation pour requires 275 cubic yards. How many strength tests are required?
Correct Answer
B) 6 tests
275 ÷ 50 = 5.5, which rounds up to 6 tests. Quality control testing typically requires rounding up to ensure adequate coverage when the division doesn't result in a whole number.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
When dividing 275 cubic yards by 50 cubic yards per test, we get 5.5 tests. Since you cannot perform a partial test, quality control standards require rounding up to the next whole number to ensure complete coverage of the concrete pour. This means 6 tests are required to meet the specification that every 50 cubic yards must be tested. The rounding up principle ensures no portion of the concrete goes untested.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 5 tests
This answer uses only the whole number portion (5) from the division result of 5.5, but ignores the remaining 25 cubic yards that still need testing coverage.
Option C: 7 tests
This answer over-tests by one additional test beyond what's required, which would be wasteful and not follow the specified testing interval.
Option D: 8 tests
This answer significantly over-tests with three additional tests beyond what's required, which would be very wasteful and not follow the specified testing interval.
Memory Technique
Remember 'Round UP for QC' - Quality Control testing always rounds up because partial tests don't exist and all material must be covered.
Reference Hint
ACI 318 Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete, Chapter 26 - Quality Control and Testing
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