Which type of cement is specifically designed to counteract shrinkage?

Expansive cement is specifically formulated to counteract shrinkage that typically occurs as cement cures and dries. The unique properties of expansive cement allow it to undergo a controlled expansion, which helps to compensate for the shrinkage that can lead to cracking and other structural issues in concrete constructions. This makes it particularly valuable in applications where shrinkage could pose a significant problem, thereby enhancing overall durability and stability.

Standard cement does not have these specific expansion characteristics, while high-performance cement is designed for strength and durability under specific conditions but does not inherently address shrinkage. Lightweight aggregate cement focuses on reducing the weight of the concrete mixture and improving insulation properties rather than managing shrinkage. Thus, expansive cement is the best choice when specifically looking to mitigate shrinkage concerns in construction.