Which Portland cement designation may be used for porous concrete pipe?

Which Portland cement designation may be used for porous concrete pipe?

• A. Type I
• B. Type II
• C. Type III
• D. Type IV

Answer: (B)

Porous concrete pipe benefits from a cement that keeps heat of hydration reasonably low while still providing adequate strength and durability in moist, potentially sulfate-containing soils. Portland cement Type II offers a moderated heat release compared with standard Type I, along with some sulfate resistance. This helps minimize thermal cracking in long, slender pipe pours and provides suitable performance for buried conditions. Type III releases more heat and gains strength early, which can increase thermal stresses in a long pipe; Type IV has very low heat but slow strength gain, not fitting typical construction timelines; Type V is reserved for areas with high sulfate exposure. Therefore, Type II is the best designation for porous concrete pipe.

Porous concrete pipe benefits from a cement that keeps heat of hydration reasonably low while still providing adequate strength and durability in moist, potentially sulfate-containing soils. Portland cement Type II offers a moderated heat release compared with standard Type I, along with some sulfate resistance. This helps minimize thermal cracking in long, slender pipe pours and provides suitable performance for buried conditions. Type III releases more heat and gains strength early, which can increase thermal stresses in a long pipe; Type IV has very low heat but slow strength gain, not fitting typical construction timelines; Type V is reserved for areas with high sulfate exposure. Therefore, Type II is the best designation for porous concrete pipe.