Which cement type is most commonly used for general purpose concrete?

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

Answer: (C)

Ordinary Portland cement is the standard choice for everyday concrete work. It’s designed for normal conditions, providing reliable strength development and compatibility with typical aggregates and admixtures. This makes it the go-to option for general purpose concrete.

Other types are specialized: a cement with some sulfate resistance and reduced heat of hydration is used when exposure to sulfates or heat buildup is a concern, but that’s not needed for typical projects. A cement formulated for high early strength speeds up initial strength gain—useful when rapid form removal or early loading is required, yet it isn’t necessary for general purposes. A cement with low heat of hydration is reserved for very large pours where heat must be controlled, so it’s not commonly used in standard concreting.

So, for general-purpose concrete, ordinary Portland cement is the best fit.