US demand to reach $160 million in 2007
Demand for outdoor noise barriers in the US is projected to advance approximately two percent per annum through 2007 to over $160 million. Gains will accelerate slightly from the 1997-2002 period as state budget conditions improve from their weakness in 2002, allowing for opportu-nities for both new and retrofit noise barrier applica-tions along highways. Outside of the transportation sector, demand for absorptive noise barriers will be healthy for installation in areas of high population density around certain items such as chillers, mechanical assemblies and power generation substations.
Dominant highway market dependent on federal funding
In 2002, the vast majority of outdoor noise barrier applica-tions were for highways and roads. Prospects for noise barriers in these uses will depend in part on the terms of the federal transportation legislation that is eventually enacted to succeed the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). Substantial funding increases for new highway construction would benefit demand for noise barriers in highway applications, especially for projects that increase lanes or reconfigure highway routes in urban areas. Such projects can qualify for a substantial federal highway funds for the cost of noise barriers, making their purchase more attractive for states.
Precast, block concrete are top barrier materials
Concrete was the leading material used for outdoor noise barriers in 2002, accounting for more than four-fifths of noise barrier use measured by area of the barriers. Both precast concrete and concrete block are employed for noise barrier construction, with the former taking a larger share of the concrete segment.
Precast concrete is a popular material for outdoor noise barriers because of its durability, relatively low cost, and design flexibility. A precast concrete noise barrier can provide over 50 years of service with minimal mainte-nance requirements. The use of form liners during the casting process can create textured surface to reduce noise reflection and to mimic the look of alternative materials, such as concrete block, brick or wood. In addition, precast concrete can incorporate materials such as crumb rubber from recycled tires to form a noise-absorp-tive barrier panel.
Demand for concrete block noise barriers will benefit from highway construction activity in the West, particu-larly in Arizona, California and Oregon, where the material is very popular. Concrete block allows for diverse designs, patterns and colors. Labor costs for installation are generally greater than for precast concrete, however.
Metal barriers offer good growth prospects
Metal noise barriers will have good growth opportunities in specifications for absorptive sound barriers. A variety of metal noise barrier products exist, for applications such as airport blast deflectors, sound mitigation around mechanical or electrical equipment, and highway noise barriers. Prospects for the material will benefit from retrofit applica-tion of sound-absorptive metal panels on existing concrete highway noise barriers where concerns exist about the reflection of sound by the existing barrier.
Study coverage
This new Freedonia study, Outdoor Noise Barriers, is available for $3800. It provides US historical data and forecasts to 2007 and 2012 by material, market and US region. This study also profiles industry competitors and evaluates market share.
Freedonia's methods involve:
- Establishing consistent economic and market forecasts
- Using input/output ratios, flow charts and other economic methods to quantify data
- Employing in-house analysts who meet stringent quality standards
- Interviewing key industry participants, experts and end-users
- Researching a proprietary database that includes government reports, trade publications and corporate literature
This study can help you:
- Determine your market & sales potential
- Learn more about industry competitors
- Assess new products & technologies
- Identify firms to merge with or acquire
- Complement your research & planning
- Gather data for presentations
- Confirm your own internal data
- Make better business decisions
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