Discharge Time for Concrete criterion affects what aspect of placement?

• A. Longer discharge time
• B. Shorter discharge time
• C. Measured temperature at arrival
• D. Cylinder size selection

Answer: (A)

Discharge time governs how long you have to place and finish the concrete after it leaves the mixer. When the criterion allows a longer discharge time, you gain a bigger window to place the concrete before it begins to stiffen or lose workability, which is especially important for long pours or projects that require pumping and extended finish sequences. This directly affects the placement process—giving more time to spread, consolidate, and finish—while temperatures at arrival or the size of test cylinders aren’t dictated by this timing criterion.