North Carolina Building Contractor License Practice Exam

What are the four basic ingredients of Portland concrete?

1. Cement, water, aggregates, and additives

2. Talc, clay, cement, and sand

3. Water, lime, gypsum, and sand

4. Cement, sand, glass, and water

The correct answer is: Cement, water, aggregates, and additives

Portland concrete is primarily composed of four essential ingredients: cement, water, aggregates, and additives. Cement acts as the binding agent, providing strength and durability once it hydrates and hardens. Water is crucial not only for the hydration process of the cement but also influences the workability of the concrete mix. Aggregates, which can be natural or manufactured, fill the volume in the concrete mix and contribute to its overall strength and stability. Additives or admixtures may be included to enhance certain properties of the concrete, such as workability, setting time, or resistance to weathering. These components work together to create a strong and durable building material that is widely used in construction. In contrast, the other options do not correctly represent the standard composition of Portland concrete, as they either include inappropriate materials or do not encompass all necessary components.