Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Geosynthetics is the term coined to describe a class of synthetic materials
that has been developed for geotechnical applications, i.e., applications
relating to geological materials, earth structures and foundations.
Geotextiles made from natural fibers have been used for thousands of years.
For example, they were used to stabilize roadways in ancient Egypt, where the
dryness of the climate offset natural fibers' tendency to deteriorate when
submerged in the soil.
However, more widespread use of geotextiles had to await the development of
suitable synthetic fibers that resisted deterioration in the ground. The
development of polymer-based geosynthetics provided the needed stimulus, and
acceptance and use of geosynthetics has expanded rapidly since the early 1980s.
Today, geosynthetics are used in a growing range of applications, including
roads and railways, construction, flood and erosion control, waste
containment, mining, and agriculture. The U.S. is the world' s largest market
for geosynthetics, consuming over $2.0 billion worth of geosynthetics in 2007.
In the U.S., geosynthetics are the object of increased interest as a tool in
the rebuilding and expansion of the U.S. infrastructure. Geosynthetics are
especially useful in an environment of increasing land scarcity, increased
awareness of seismic hazards, and more stringent environmental regulations.
SCOPE OF STUDY
This report contains:
- Descriptions of various types of geosynthetics including geotextiles,
geogrids, geonets, geomembranes, geocomposites, geocells and geofoams
- Discussion of applications for each type of geosynthetics material
- The current U.S. market status for geosynthetics, with trends and
forecasts for growth over the next 5 years
- Technological issues including the latest trends and a thorough patent
analysis
- Company profiles.
METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES
The report' s findings and conclusions are based on information gathered from a
wide range of sources, including geosynthetics vendors, users, engineering and
consulting firms. Interview data were combined with information gathered
through an extensive review of secondary sources such as trade publications,
trade associations, company literature, and on-line databases to produce the
projections contained in this report.
The base-year for analysis and projection is 2007. With 2007 as a baseline,
market projections were developed for 2008 to 2013. These projections are
based on a combination of a consensus among the primary contacts combined with
our understanding of the key market drivers and their impact from a historical
and analytical perspective.
The methodologies and assumptions used to develop the market projections in
this report are discussed at length under the various segments addressed. The
report carefully documents data sources and assumptions. This way, readers can
see how the market estimates were developed and, if they so desire, test the
impact on the final numbers of changing assumptions such as price.
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