When constructing on volcanic soil with high sulfate content, which type of cement should be specified for concrete foundations?
Correct Answer
A) Type V high sulfate resistant cement
Type V cement provides the highest sulfate resistance and is required when constructing on volcanic soils with high sulfate content to prevent concrete deterioration.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Type V cement is specifically engineered for maximum sulfate resistance. Volcanic soils in Hawaii contain elevated concentrations of sulfates that chemically attack standard cement, causing expansion, cracking, and eventual disintegration of the concrete matrix. Type V's low tricalcium aluminate (C3A) content — 5% or less — makes it highly resistant to this attack.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: Type II moderate sulfate resistant cement
Type II cement offers only moderate sulfate resistance and is appropriate for soils with low-to-moderate sulfate exposure (SO4 150–1500 ppm). High sulfate volcanic soils exceed this threshold, making Type II insufficient to prevent long-term deterioration.
Option C: Type I Portland cement
Type I is general-purpose Portland cement with no special sulfate resistance. Using it in high-sulfate volcanic soil would lead to chemical attack, expansion, cracking, and eventual structural failure of the foundation.
Option D: Type III high early strength cement
Type III cement is formulated for high early strength (faster curing), not sulfate resistance. Its C3A content is similar to or higher than Type I, making it even more susceptible to sulfate attack than standard cement.
Memory Technique
Think 'Five to Survive' — Type V is the one you need to survive Hawaii's volcanic sulfate soil. The Roman numeral V stands for Victory over sulfates.
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