Concrete operations: the process of proper and accurate measurement of concrete ingredients to maintain uniform proportion is known as what?

Introduction / Context:
Accurate proportioning of ingredients is the first critical step in concrete production. This ensures that the mix design requirements are met and that concrete quality is consistent.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Ingredients: cement, sand, aggregates, water, admixtures.
• Uniformity in every batch is critical.
• Two common methods: volume batching and weight batching.

Concept / Approach:
Batching refers to measuring and proportioning ingredients before mixing. Volume batching uses gauge boxes, while weight batching is more accurate and preferred in modern plants. Mixing, by contrast, refers to combining ingredients after batching. Curing is done after placement. Grading refers to particle size distribution of aggregates.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Define process: measurement/proportioning = batching.Differentiate: mixing = combining, curing = hydration care, grading = particle size check.Answer: batching.

Verification / Alternative check:
IS 4926 on RMC specifies batching by weight as mandatory.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Grading: only about aggregates, not measurement of all ingredients.
• Curing: post-placement step.
• Mixing: later stage, not measuring stage.
• None of these: incorrect because batching is correct term.

Common Pitfalls:

• Confusing batching with mixing; both are distinct processes in concreting.

Final Answer:
batching