Engineers and construction experts frequently specify specific types of portland cement to meet particular requirements dictated by varying conditions.

The categorization of cement types adheres to a range of standards and specifications. Portland cements adhere to the guidelines set forth by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) C150 Standard Specification for Portland Cement and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) A3001. Certain cements may fulfill multiple classifications. All products from Lehigh Cement are produced in accordance with the applicable CSA, ASTM, AASHTO, or API standards.

The aforementioned standards encompass various types of portland and general-use cement:

ASTM Type I (CSA Type GU), Normal / General Use: This general-purpose portland cement is suitable for standard concrete applications that don't require special properties. Type I cement is commonly utilized in typical construction projects like buildings, bridges, pavements, precast elements, and masonry units, among others.

ASTM Type II (CSA Type MS), Moderate Sulfate Resistance: Designed for use in concrete exposed to soil or water containing moderate sulfate concentrations. In some regions, alternative methods to enhance sulfate resistance, such as the utilization of blended cements offering similar or superior performance, are becoming more prevalent.

ASTM Type II-MH (CSA Type MH), Moderate Heat of Hydration: This cement provides moderate sulfate resistance while also minimizing heat generation during hydration. Alternative approaches for managing both heat generation and sulfate resistance, such as employing blended cements offering equivalent or superior performance, are gaining traction in certain regions.

ASTM Type III (CSA Type HE), High Early Strength: Designed to achieve early strength development, suitable for applications requiring rapid construction, early form removal, cold weather conditions, or when the concrete needs to be put into service promptly.

ASTM Type IV (CSA Type LH), Low Heat of Hydration: This cement exhibits slow reactivity, reducing heat generation during hydration, making it ideal for use in massive concrete structures like bridge supports or dams. Alternative methods for managing heat of hydration, such as using blended cements with similar or superior performance, are increasingly utilized in certain regions.

ASTM Type V (CSA Type HS), High Sulfate Resistance: Specially formulated for use in concrete exposed to severe sulfate concentrations. In some regions, alternative techniques for enhancing sulfate resistance, such as employing blended cements offering comparable or superior performance, are gaining acceptance.