According to the research firm, a rebound in the housing market will promote growth, as will solid levels of highway and street spending. Demand will also benefit from a rising utilization of industrial byproducts in concrete for economic and environmental reasons, as well as a greater focus on the production of durable concrete structures through the use of chemical and fiber additives.

US demand for cement and concrete additives is forecast to increase at nearly double-digit rates through 2014 to $2.8 billion. A rebound in the housing market will promote growth, as will solid levels of highway and street spending.

Demand will also benefit from a rising utilization of industrial byproducts in concrete for economic and environmental reasons, as well as a greater focus on the production of durable concrete structures through the use of chemical and fiber additives, said the research firm.

Demand for fiber additives will be driven by a greater acceptance of these products among concrete producers. Synthetic fibers, for instance, will benefit from their expanded use as secondary reinforcement, as these are used in much higher dosages per cubic yard of concrete. Synthetic fibers are being promoted for their ability to combat shrinkage-induced cracking in concrete.

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