NETTCP Concrete Inspector Practice Exam

The correct answer is recognized as the type of cement that exhibits a low heat of hydration, which is significant in large concrete structures, such as dams or massive footings, where the heat generated during the curing process can lead to cracking or other issues. Type IV cement is specifically formulated to have a lower heat generation compared to others during hydration. This is accomplished by reducing the amount of tricalcium silicate in the composition, which is responsible for generating significant heat. As a result, Type IV cement allows for more controlled curing and a reduced risk of thermal cracking.

Type I cement is a common general-purpose cement used for a variety of construction applications but does not have the low heat of hydration properties. Type II cement does offer moderate resistance to sulfate attack and may generate somewhat less heat than Type I, but it is not specifically designed for low heat hydration. Type III cement is classified as a high-early-strength cement, which tends to generate more heat compared to Type IV, due to its increased tricalcium silicate content. Therefore, raising awareness of these differences is crucial when selecting the appropriate cement type for specific environmental and structural conditions.