Cement choice for road pavements: which common type of cement is generally preferred for cement concrete road construction to balance early strength and durability?

Introduction / Context:
Pavement concretes require reliable strength development, durability under traffic and environment, and compatibility with large-scale batching and curing conditions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Conventional rigid pavement design and curing regimes.
• No special rapid-opening requirement specified.

Concept / Approach:
Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is commonly used for road pavements due to predictable strength gain and durability. Rapid hardening cement may be used for early opening but is not the general default; low heat cement suits mass concreting; slag cement suits durability needs but may slow early strength.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify typical pavement requirements.Match to cement with balanced properties and availability: OPC.

Verification / Alternative check:
IRC and MoRTH specifications frequently list OPC grades for rigid pavements unless specific early opening criteria demand rapid hardening types.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Rapid hardening: specialized for early opening, higher heat.
• Low heat: for mass pours, not pavements.
• Slag cement: excellent durability but slower early strength, not universal default.

Common Pitfalls:

• Choosing specialty cements without considering curing and traffic opening requirements.

Final Answer:
ordinary Portland cement