What type of plate is specified to have a minimum thickness of ½ inches?

The type of plate specified to have a minimum thickness of ½ inches is the glass or acrylic strike-off plate. This requirement is in place to ensure that the plate is sufficiently robust and durable, allowing it to maintain a level surface when used for striking off concrete. A thicker plate provides better stability and resistance to damage during the mixing and pouring process, ensuring consistency in material handling and finishing operations.

A glass or acrylic strike-off plate offers the added benefit of a smooth surface, which aids in obtaining an accurate level of the concrete and minimizes the introduction of air voids. This is particularly important in application contexts where the finish is crucial, as an imperfect surface can impact the quality and adhesion of subsequent layers.