Canadian Council of Independent Laboratories (CCIL) Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Comprehensive Guide to Exam Success!

Smoothing with a float is a common practice for finishing the surface of concrete cylinders before curing because it helps to achieve a uniform surface finish. The use of a float compacts the surface of the concrete and helps to eliminate any air pockets or imperfections, which can enhance the bond strength and overall performance of the concrete. Additionally, this process can help in directing any excess water to the surface, which can be beneficial in the curing process as it encourages the hydration of the cement.

It’s important to recognize that while painting the surface, applying a sealant, or covering with plastic may also relate to concrete finishing and protection, they serve different purposes. Painting could interfere with the proper curing of the concrete, sealants are typically applied after the surface has cured, and plastic coverings are used mainly to retain moisture during the curing process rather than to prepare the surface beforehand. Therefore, smoothing with a float directly contributes to achieving better surface integrity before curing begins.