Fortera's low-carbon cement meets all ASTM performance categories

Fortera announced Dec. 16 that its ReAct low-carbon cement has become the first product to meet all six ASTM C1157 performance categories simultaneously.

Independent testing by Construction Testing Services validated ReAct's performance across the standard's eight test requirements, the company said in a press release.

The achievement allows contractors to use one cement formulation for applications that typically require multiple cementitious products, reducing procurement complexity and streamlining mix design.

ASTM C1157 is a performance-based standard that evaluates cement on measurable outcomes, including compressive strength, air content, set time, fineness, density, heat of hydration, mortar expansion, and sulfate expansion. ReAct met requirements for general use, high early strength, moderate sulfate resistance, high sulfate resistance, moderate heat of hydration, and low heat of hydration.

ReAct achieves cost parity with Portland cement and is produced using Fortera's ReCarb technology, which integrates with existing cement manufacturing infrastructure. The process operates at lower kiln temperatures and enables producers to reduce emissions by up to 70% compared to traditional cement production.

ReAct reaches full compressive strength in two days, compared to 28 days for Portland cement, and its chemical durability eliminates common degradation mechanisms in concrete infrastructure. Its low drying shrinkage reduces cracking and improves long-term structural integrity.

"This certification confirms that ReAct performs to the industry's established standards," said Craig Hargis, vice president of products at Fortera. "For years, lower-carbon options have been seen as a compromise on either performance or cost. ReAct shows that contractors do not have to choose. It meets the strength and durability requirements they expect, avoids a green premium, and fits into the specifications and infrastructure already in use."

Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, assessed cement CIF Houston at $86/mt on Dec. 11.