Overall, the market for concrete products is looking good into the near future. Some reports indicate the rise to continue through to 2023. Opportunities for expansion in Tennessee lie in a variety of areas including those where both concrete pipe and precast culverts are in demand.
Growth Sectors for Concrete Pipes and Culverts
Among the sectors in which growth looks clearly defined are the following:
- Drainage
- Irrigation
- Potable water
- Sewage
Globally, the rise is driven by a number of factors. Among them are the construction activities taking place in both residential and non-residential development. In Tennessee and other southeastern states, another major influence on growth is the need to replace older and decaying pipelines.
Precast Products
While the market for concrete pipe continues to grow, that for precast products is still evolving. Reinforced concrete pipe is the largest segment of the overall concrete market and indicators note this shall remain the same. It has a strong reputation for durability, low cost, and strength.
However, when it comes to precast concrete pipe and precast culverts in particular, the market is continuing to evolve. Cast in a factory, the industry is only beginning to realize the advantages of innovative approaches to producing novel products. Theoretically, a company can precast any product currently made from concrete. Today, common precast items include:
- Arches
- Boxes – for culverts and bridges
- Bridges
- Catch basins
- Curb inlets
- Foundations
- Grease interceptors
- Highway barriers
- Manholes
- Paving slabs
- Pipe
- Pump stations
- Stormwater management
- Sound walls
- Wall Panels and Veneer
Such precast concrete products benefit from stringent quality control conditions only available in a factory setting.
Concrete Pipe and Precast: Growing Markets
Concrete remains popular in the field of construction. Whether for buildings or for various municipal products in South Carolina, it retains its lure. Nor does it do so without valid reasoning. Whether as concrete pipe or precast culverts, the material remains a stalwart standard. It is durable, strong, sustainable and cost-effective.