Demand for cement and concrete additives in the United States will grow 6.4% per year to $3.2 billion in 2012. These and other trends are presented in “Cement & Concrete Additives,” a study released by The Freedonia Group Inc., a Cleveland-based industry research firm.

According to the report, strong gains are expected for all major product types — chemical, mineral and fiber additives — as construction activity and concrete demand rebound from a low 2007 base. Advances also will be driven by rising utilization of industrial by-products in concrete for economic and environmental reasons, as well as an increased focus on the production of durable and long-lasting concrete structures through the use of chemical and fiber additives.

“Highways and streets were the largest outlet for cement and concrete additives in 2007, consuming about one-third of total demand by value,” the report states. “This market also will grow the fastest, as federal funding for transportation projects is expected to remain strong through 2012.”

In addition, chemical additives will remain the largest product segment, comprising 45% of the total market in value terms, according to the report. Gains will be led by strong demand for water reducers, especially high-range “super plasticizer” types, which are key components of self-consolidating and high-performance concrete mixes.

“Mineral additives will post above-average gains in demand, a continuation of long-term trends,” the research states. “Waste materials — particularly coal fly ash — will increasingly be used as a partial replacement for portland cement in concrete. Blast furnace slag is expected to see more moderate growth in demand, limited by domestic supply constraints. In addition, demand will be boosted by the positive environmental profile of these additives, both as recycled materials and through their ability to reduce the pollution and energy consumption associated with cement production.”

For more information about this report, contact Corinne Gangloff at (440) 684-9600 or visit www.freedoniagroup.com.