What should be performed prior to obtaining a concrete sample?

Prior to obtaining a concrete sample, assessing equipment readiness is crucial as it ensures that all necessary tools and instruments are available, functional, and calibrated correctly for sample collection. This includes checking the cleanliness and suitability of containers, verifying that measurement devices are accurate, and ensuring any other equipment required for materials testing is operational. If equipment is not ready, it could lead to inaccurate sampling, compromised test results, or delays in the construction process.

In addition to equipment readiness, other steps such as checking weather conditions, verifying mix design, and performing preliminary slump tests are important in their own right, but they do not directly influence the immediate readiness for sampling as equipment readiness does. For example, while understanding the weather can help in interpreting results, it doesn't impact the physical act of obtaining the sample itself. Similarly, mix design verification and tests such as the slump test provide critical information but are more relevant once sampling is underway or for interpreting the characteristics of the concrete mix. Thus, focusing on equipment readiness ensures that the sampling can proceed smoothly and effectively.