Which conditions must be prevented when transporting test specimens?

Preventing jarring, freezing, and moisture loss during the transportation of test specimens is crucial to maintaining their integrity and ensuring accurate test results.

Jarring refers to any sudden shocks or impacts that the specimens may experience during handling or transport, which can cause physical damage or changes in their properties. Freezing can severely alter the characteristics of certain materials, particularly those that are moisture-sensitive or composed of chemicals that are susceptible to freezing temperatures, leading to unreliable test results. Moisture loss is critical to prevent as it can change the composition, weight, and performance characteristics of the specimen, particularly in the case of hygroscopic materials.

Conditions such as exposure to sunlight, humidity, pressure changes, or dust, while they can also impact specimen quality, are not as universally critical as those mentioned above. Vibration, rain, and direct water contact may also present risks, but the most significant concerns in terms of structural integrity and accuracy of results stem from the specific issues of jarring, freezing, and moisture loss during transport.