As a result of its structural integrity, durability and high compression and pressure resistance, large-diameter concrete pipe demand is projected to advance 2 percent annually to more than 109 million ft, paced by drainage and irrigation applications.
Growth stimulants include a rebounding construction sector and needs to expand and upgrade an aging pipe infrastructure; these and other trends are presented in a new study from The Freedonia Group Inc., a Cleveland-based industry research firm.
Plastic pipe advances will be stimulated by resin advances (e.g., bimodal polyethylene and molecularly oriented PVC), which will extend the pressure resistance and other properties of large-diameter plastic pipe. The best opportunities are expected for large-diameter PVC pipe.
Cast-iron pipe will remain the preferred choice in applications where high water pressure capabilities are required. Clay pipe demand will slowly diminish based on competition from higher-performing and lower-cost plastic pipe.
Good growth for drainage and irrigation pipe will result from rebounding construction activity and widespread drainage applications. Sanitary sewer growth will be based on needs to address problems with combined sewer overflows and the maintenance of clean water standards.
Source: The Freedonia Group Inc.
