What is a clear sign of potential segregation in a load during discharge?

• A. Visual separation of materials where coarser aggregates separate from the cement paste or visible density variation.
• B. Uniform color and texture.
• C. No change in density.
• D. Slow discharge.

Answer: (D)

Segregation shows up when the concrete components start to separate during handling or discharge. The clearest sign is visible stratification: coarser aggregates separating from the cement paste, creating density or color variations in the discharged material or in the load itself. If you see a uniform color and texture, or no change in density, those suggest the mix is remaining intact rather than segregating. Slow discharge isn’t a direct indicator of segregation; it may affect flow, but it doesn’t by itself reveal the observable separation of components that defines segregation.