Canadian Council of Independent Laboratories (CCIL) Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Comprehensive Guide to Exam Success!

When casting concrete in moulds, the recommended practice is to place it in two or three lifts. This approach allows for better compaction and ensures that the concrete is evenly distributed throughout the mould.

Using two or three lifts facilitates the release of air bubbles that can become trapped during the pouring process, which helps to enhance the overall quality and durability of the concrete. Furthermore, it allows for proper setting and integration of each layer before the next is added, minimizing the likelihood of cold joints between layers, which can compromise the integrity of the structure.

Having too few lifts, such as just one lift, may lead to difficulties in achieving adequate compaction and vibration of the concrete. Conversely, opting for too many lifts could complicate the pouring process unnecessarily and increase the risk of contamination or improper bonding between layers. Therefore, aiming for two or three lifts is generally seen as a best practice in concrete casting.