Fortera’s ReAct expands contractor options with new ASTM certification

For the first time, a single cement meets all six ASTM C1157 performance categories simultaneously, a level of versatility typically requiring four separate portland cement formulations. Green cement manufacturer Fortera has certified its ReAct™ low-carbon cement to this standard, with independent testing by Construction Testing Services validating ReAct's performance across the standard's eight test requirements. With one formulation covering all six categories, ReAct reduces procurement complexity and streamlines mix design, enabling contractors to use a single cement instead of multiple cementitious products for different project requirements.

"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."

ASTM C1157 is a performance-based standard that evaluates cement on measurable outcomes rather than on its chemical composition. The specification covers factors such as compressive strength, air content, set time, fineness, density, heat of hydration, mortar expansion, and sulfate expansion. ReAct met the requirements for all six performance categories under the standard: general use, high early strength, moderate sulfate resistance, high sulfate resistance, moderate heat of hydration, and low heat of hydration.

ReAct's performance advantages stem from its unique calcium carbonate structure, which is produced by mineralising industrial CO₂. The cement delivers compressive strength comparable to OPC at 28 days within 2 days. ReAct’s chemical durability eliminates common degradation mechanisms in concrete infrastructure, and its low drying shrinkage reduces cracking, improving long-term structural integrity.

ReAct is produced using Fortera's ReCarb® technology, which integrates with existing cement manufacturing infrastructure to transform industrial CO2 emissions into ready-to-use cement. The energy-efficient process operates at lower kiln temperatures than traditional cement production, enabling producers to reduce emissions by up to 70% without replacing kilns, limestone quarries, or distribution networks. ReAct can be used as a standalone cement or blended with ordinary cement and other supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) to enhance existing mixes, optimising set time, workability, and strength.

Fortera operates a 15 000 tpy facility in Redding, Calif. and has a global pipeline in development. The company has completed multiple real-world construction projects using ReAct, including work with the University of California, Berkeley, Simpson University, and DPR Construction. To ensure the highest quality standard, Fortera has achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification for its Redding facility and holds AASHTO laboratory accreditation.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/17122025/forteras-react-expands-contractor-options-with-new-astm-certification/