Abstract
US demand to reach 215 million feet in 2010
Large diameter pipe demand in the US is projected to increase 2.3 percent
annually to 215 million feet in 2010. Gains will reflect population growth, an
aging pipe infrastructure, clean water and other regulations, and concerns
over the safety of drinking water. Threats to further growth include declines
in conventional housing starts, fiscal austerity measures, and process
industry maturity. Concrete pipe will remain dominant due to material
advantages such as structural integrity, durability, and high compression and
pressure resistance. Plastic pipe will present the best opportunities based on
performance improvements and cost and installation advantages over other
materials.
HDPE to remain dominant plastic pipe utilized
Concrete pipe demand is projected to rise two percent annually through 2010.
Storm sewers will remain the leading application, while best growth will be in
the water distribution and drainage pipe segments. Plastic pipe demand will
expand 4.3 percent annually through 2010, and comprise 21 percent of all large
diameter pipe. High density polyethylene pipe will remain dominant with
particularly good opportunities expected in corrugated pipe and water
distribution uses. Polyvinyl chloride pipe will exhibit good growth due to
rapid inroads being made in sewer and pressure applications. Cast iron pipe
has comparative advantages in high pressure water uses. Steel pipe will remain
the preferred material where strength, rigidity and pressure tolerance are
prime requirements.
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