Does a wet specimen test higher than a dry one?

Q. Does a wet specimen test higher than a dry one?

A. A wet specimen does not test higher in a compression test, but it does in a flexural test. Drying the specimen just before the test is performed will slightly increase the strength in compression and markedly decrease the strength in flexure. Partial or surface drying of specimens for flexural tests places the outer fibers in a state of tension even before the load is applied, thereby reducing the measured strength.

References: SP-1(02)

Topics in Concrete: Testing of Concrete