ACI MFTT study plan

Classify ASTM C270 mortar Types M, S, N, O, and K by their cementitious-to-aggregate proportion limits and state the structural or environmental service condition each type suits.

Distinguish the ASTM C90, C216, C652, and C140 unit categories and list the physical property tests each referencing standard mandates.

Build a unit sampling plan under ASTM C140 and C67, stating lot size, number of units drawn, and how each specimen is identified and transported without damage.

Explain how aggregate moisture, batching method, and mixing water quantity shift field mortar consistency and water content, and predict the direction of each shift.

Perform the ASTM C1437 flow table procedure on a mortar batch, recording the 25-drop sequence, five spread readings, and computed flow percentage to the nearest whole percent.

Determine mortar water content from batch weights and flow calibration data following the ASTM C780 procedure, and show the arithmetic for converting measured flow to reported water content.

Sample freshly mixed mortar from both the mixer and the mortar board per ASTM C780, documenting elapsed time between sampling and test so results remain valid.

Measure mortar consistency by cone penetration and explain when penetration results are preferred over flow results in the field.

Mold field mortar specimens in 2-inch cube molds, executing the two-layer rodding sequence and strike-off so each cube is square and free of voids.

Cure molded specimens under the specified moist conditions and set the stripping and test dates from the standard cure age.

Prepare grout specimens per ASTM C1019, including mold selection, filling, consolidation, and curing, and record consistency at the time of sampling.

Set up a compression testing machine for masonry specimens, verifying platen alignment, spherically seated block contact, and a loading rate within the required range.

Construct masonry prisms with the specified unit and mortar, controlling bed joint thickness, full bedding, and head joint fill so each prism meets the ASTM C1314 geometry requirements.

Apply the specified prism storage and curing regime, recording temperature, moisture condition, and elapsed days before capping and testing.

Cap prism bearing surfaces so each face is parallel and perpendicular to the axis of loading within the tolerance, and measure each prism to the nearest 0.01 inch.

Compute prism compressive strength and apply the height-to-thickness correction factor, showing the uncorrected strength, the factor selected, and the corrected result.

Conduct prism compression tests at the required loading rate, describe the failure mode of each specimen, and flag results for outliers or joint-related failures.

Test masonry units in compression under ASTM C140, including capping or grinding of bearing faces, alignment on the testing machine, and net-area computation.

Calculate net and gross compressive strength for hollow units, showing how the net area is derived from the unit geometry.

Interpret prism and unit strength results together and state whether the tested assembly is consistent with the specified masonry compressive strength.

Run the 24-hour cold water absorption procedure on masonry units, controlling submersion time, water temperature, and the weighing sequence to the required precision.

Run the 5-hour boiling absorption procedure and compute the saturation coefficient as the ratio of 24-hour to boiling absorption.

Compute oven-dry density, moisture content, and void ratio from the measured masses, and compare each value against the applicable ASTM C90 or C216 limit.

Condition and handle absorption specimens through oven drying, cooling, and reweighing, documenting each transfer so mass changes can be traced to the correct step.

Assemble a field test report containing the project and sample identification, test methods used, specimen ages, environmental conditions, results, and the technician's signature and certification number.

Write a specimen tracking and chain-of-custody record that follows each sample from collection through reported result, including any transfer of custody.

State the personnel qualification and laboratory accreditation requirements that govern masonry field testing, including technician certification and agency accreditation.

Identify the reporting errors that invalidate a test result and describe the correction or re-test path for each one.

Complete two timed 50-question practice sets spanning all five domains and score at least 80 percent on each.

Review every missed item, write the underlying fact or procedure into an error log, and re-state the correct method in your own words.

Re-demonstrate the three highest-risk procedures from memory: flow determination, prism height-to-thickness correction, and saturation coefficient calculation.

Diagnose remaining weak domains from practice scores and schedule targeted review hours before the exam date.