A carpenter is setting up a wall formwork system for a 3.0 m high concrete pour. The concrete has a density of 2400 kg/m³. What is the maximum horizontal pressure exerted by the wet concrete at the base of the formwork, assuming a fluid pressure calculation (P = ρgh)?

Question: A carpenter is setting up a wall formwork system for a 3.0 m high concrete pour. The concrete has a density of 2400 kg/m³. What is the maximum horizontal pressure exerted by the wet concrete at the base of the formwork, assuming a fluid pressure calculation (P = ρgh)?

Answer options:

• 24.0 kPa
• 70.6 kPa ✅ 72.0 kPa
• 80.0 kPa

Correct answer: 72.0 kPa

Explanation: The maximum horizontal pressure (P) at the base of the formwork is calculated using the formula P = ρgh, where ρ (rho) is the density of concrete (2400 kg/m³), g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s²), and h is the height of the pour (3.0 m). So, P = 2400 kg/m³ * 9.81 m/s² * 3.0 m = 70,632 Pa or approximately 70.6 kPa. The closest provided option is 72.0 kPa which implies g=10m/s^2.