U.S. Ultra High Performance Concrete Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Application (Road & Bridge Construction and Commercial Construction), Country Forecast 2023-2030

The U.S. ultra high performance concrete market size was USD 106.6 million in 2022 and is projected to grow from USD 113.7 million in 2023 to USD 179.5 million by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.7% during the 2023-2030 period.

Ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) has massive structural properties such as high tensile strength, enhanced ductility, and a longer lifespan. These properties make it suitable for precast works, slabs, and bridge joints in the construction sector. The utilization of ultra-high-performance concrete in the end-use application is driving the growth of the market. The rise in infrastructural activities such as commercial construction and roads & highways has surged the demand for advanced materials over traditional concrete.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Trade Restrictions during the Pandemic Hampered the Market Growth

In the U.S., the pandemic created unfavorable conditions for industries such as automotive, construction, and chemicals. The construction industry accounts for a prominent share of the GDP of the U.S. However, by the end of 2019, the pandemic plunged the construction industry into a drastic downfall and decreased its share in the GDP. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the real GDP of the U.S. decreased by 3.5% in 2020 owing to the strict regulations on trade. Thus, lower import-export activities caused a shortage of raw materials. Moreover, the key construction material manufacturers and service providers had to face the lockdown and temporary restrictions on business activities. Hence, the restrictions on the trade of raw materials and the manufacturing of UHPC impacted the U.S. market.

U.S. Ultra High Performance Concrete Market Trends

Rising Utilization of UHPC in Infrastructure Projects is a Prominent Trend in the Market

The structural and mechanical properties required in the development of new-generation infrastructure projects have created a massive demand for tougher and smarter materials in the construction industry. The ultra high performance concrete is a comparatively new generation structural concrete material. This material offers the utmost strength, durability, and ductility. UHPC provides smart and latest solutions, which enhances its potential use in the construction industry.

Over the past years, the product has gained popularity in bridge construction and a wide variety of newly constructed highway applications. The remarkable properties allow the product to be designed freely for potential applications such as deck overlays, girders, joints, slabs, and panels.

According to the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), the U.S. has 1,216 miles of bridge distance in poor condition. Further, Americans cross the 174 million times deficient bridges per day. The average age of the deficient bridge is nearly 65 years and 33% of them require maintenance or repair. The government has taken the initiative to rebuild or repair these bridges with advanced construction materials such as UHPC.  Therefore, all these activities are anticipated to boost the market in the country.

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U.S. Ultra High Performance Concrete Market Growth Factors

Increasing Popularity of Product Owing to Superior Properties to Drive the Market Growth

The market is expected to grow in the U.S. during the forecast period. The growth of the market is associated with the rising product consumption in the construction industry owing to the superior structural or mechanical properties such as twice the strength of traditional concrete. According to Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the tensile strength of UHPC is greater than 0.72 kilo pounds per square inch (ksi) or 5 Mega pascals (Mpa). This strength is achieved by mixing the micro, macros, or steel fiber during the mixing process of the concrete. For instance, SIKA AG uses “Fibermesh” and “Enduro” concrete fiber. These steel fibers offer design freedom and improvised strength to the concrete by making it ultra high performance. All these factors are expected to increase the U.S. ultra high performance concrete market share in the global construction material market.

As per FHWA, UHPC has excellent compressive strength greater than 18.0 ksi or 124 MPa when compared to conventional and high-performance concrete. The concrete has an irregular pore structure that reduces liquid ingress and significantly enhances its durability. According to the “Cor-Tuf”, the product has an average life span of 75 years, which is greater than traditional concrete. Furthermore, UHPC is 25-33% thinner than traditional concrete. The high tensile and compressive properties of the product enable a high bond strength and allow shorter lengths of rebar embedment for applications in the construction industry, including closure pours for precast elements.

Therefore, rising awareness of the superior properties of the product in the construction industry is expected to drive the U.S. market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Higher Price over Traditional Concrete May Hamper the Market Growth in the Country

The high price of the UHPC over the traditional concrete may hamper the growth of the market. The restraint is associated with the unique and costly materials utilized in its composition. The fibrous materials such as steel fiber and other microfibers employed in the formulation of UHPC increase the cost.

In addition, the fibers used in the formulation of the ultra high performance concrete require a high rate of mixing and special equipment to mix. Utilization of admixtures such as fiber, plasticizers, and binders raises the final cost of this type of concrete as they are costly materials.

Furthermore, UHPC is an expensive construction material. The product has a low water-to-binder ratio that requires a high mixing rate. Such a low rate of binding capacity is considered another key restraint for the product that increases its production cost and decreases its adoption in the construction industry.

U.S. Ultra High Performance Concrete Market Segmentation Analysis

By Application Analysis

Commercial Construction Held Largest Share Owing to the Product Preference from Contractors

Based on application, the U.S. ultra high performance concrete market is segmented into road & bridge construction and commercial construction.

The commercial construction segment accounted for the largest share in 2022. The growth of the commercial construction segment is associated with the rise in the demand for this type of concrete material for office spaces, malls, and airports to avoid accidents and collateral damage in earthquakes or any other natural disaster. The product offers massive structural benefits over traditional concrete. It has extreme strength and delivers a long structural life cycle. Therefore, it has been popular among construction contractors since its availability in 2000. As a result, the consumption of the UHPC has boosted the segment growth.

The road & bridge construction application is anticipated to grow at a faster growth rate during the forecast period. The investment of the government in establishing highway and road connections has created a massive demand for this type of concrete. The product enhances the road quality and makes them extraordinary in terms of performance. Such a rise in construction activities and the increased government funding is driving the segment growth, further boosting the ultra high performance concrete market growth.

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List of Key U.S. Ultra High Performance Concrete Market Companies

Key Players Focus on the Price and Application Characteristics to Gain Competence in the Market      

In terms of the competitive landscape, the market depicts the presence of established companies operating in the market. Key players in the market are Holcim, CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V., Freyssinet Limited, Vicat, and CHRYSO. Industry players compete primarily based on the price and application characteristics of the product. Companies are emphasizing on product innovation, social marketing, acquisitions, and collaborations to maintain their position in the market.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Holcim (Switzerland)


• CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V. (Mexico)


• Freyssinet Limited (U.K.)


• Vicat (France)


• CHRYSO (France)


• TAKTL (U.S.)


• Co-Turf (U.S.)


• Steellike, Inc. (U.S.)


• Sika AG (Switzerland)


• Envel Facade, Inc. (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• May 2022 - Holcim announced the acquisition of six aggregate quarries in Eastern France from the FAMY Group. This move aligned with the company's 2021 acquisition of aggregate and ready-mix concrete plants. The quarries are conveniently located to service the booming metropolitan regions of Dijon, Lyon, and Geneva (Switzerland), which have a high demand for sustainable and green materials.


• December 2021- Under the global leader in sustainable and innovative building solutions, Holcim announced the acquisition of Marshall Concrete Products Inc. This acquisition aimed to strengthen the company’s presence in Minneapolis/St: Paul and the surrounding metropolitan area.


• November 2021- Holcim launched the new UHPC product by following its product portfolio expansion in Latin America, Asia Pacific, and North America. Holcim announced their new UHPC product, “DYNAMax”. This concrete delivers durability and high strength, which enable the long lifespan of the construction structure.


• February 2021- CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. shared plans to expand its U.S. operations in the Texas network. As part of its growth initiative, the company acquired a ready-mix business in San Antonio, Texas. The move included the takeover of the ready-mix assets of Beck Readymix Concrete Co. LTD. The acquisition included three ready-mix concrete plants (strategically located) and one portable facility for servicing the metropolitan area of San Antonio and surrounding areas.

REPORT COVERAGE

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Based on market analysis, the study report thoroughly examines key factors such as leading companies, applications, and products. It also provides market trends and highlights the significant industry advancements. The study includes different variables that have contributed to the market growth in recent years. It examines the industry's latest dynamics and opportunities as well as historical data and revenue growth estimates at the country level.

Report Scope & Segmentation