Sprayed Concrete Market Trends

Introduction

Sprayed concrete is undergoing major transformations by 2023. This is mainly due to the combination of technological advancements, regulatory pressures and changing consumer preferences. Sprayed concrete is a popular building material in the construction industry. Spraying technology and material formulations are constantly improving, which makes it a popular choice for various construction projects. Stricter regulations are also driving the industry towards more sustainable practices and eco-friendly materials and processes. In addition, the increasing demand for faster construction times and better quality of buildings is influencing the market. These trends are strategically important for market players to stay responsive to the market and to capitalize on new opportunities for growth and innovation.

Top Trends

1. Increased Adoption of Shotcrete Technology
   In the building industry, the application of shotcrete is gaining in popularity because of its speed. It has been successfully used by the United States Army Corps of Engineers for the repair of dams. According to industry reports, the cost of labor can be reduced by up to 30 per cent. This trend is likely to lead to innovation in the application methods and equipment, which will lead to improved project times.
2. Sustainability Initiatives in Concrete Production
   Among the chemical companies, BASF has made the formulation of the environment a priority. It is now known that a concrete with a high proportion of re-used materials reduces the carbon footprint by 20 per cent. This shift not only meets regulatory requirements but also appeals to the consciousness of the customer and can potentially increase the market share of sustainable products.
3. Technological Advancements in Equipment
   There are significant developments in spraying equipment, with companies investing in automation and robots. For example, the McElroy Company has introduced an automatic system that makes it possible to achieve a higher degree of accuracy and to reduce waste. These innovations are expected to improve the efficiency of the work, which will lead to faster completion of the works and lower costs for contractors.
4. Growing Demand in Infrastructure Development
   Governments are investing heavily in building roads, railways and other transport systems. This is creating a demand for sprayed concrete. In the Green Deal, the European Union is putting a high priority on renovating its transport system, and this is expected to require large amounts of sprayed concrete. This trend will probably lead to new opportunities for suppliers and contractors and strengthen their position in the market.
5. Expansion of Urbanization Projects
   In the midst of a general trend toward urbanization, construction is booming, especially in developing countries. In India, for example, the construction of urban areas is proceeding apace, and the versatile nature of spray concrete is proving very popular. In the future, this trend is expected to lead to a further increase in demand for spray concrete products, as well as to the expansion of the product line-up to meet the needs of the diverse urban population.
6. Focus on Safety and Compliance Standards
   The stricter safety regulations are a considerable influence on the spray-on concrete market. Companies are implementing advanced safety measures, for example Strabag, which has introduced a comprehensive safety management system. The compliance with the standards not only reduces the risks, but also increases the company's reputation and the number of project opportunities.
7. Integration of Smart Technologies
   The integration of smart technology, such as the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence, is reshaping the market for spray concrete. Companies such as Giatec Scientific are developing smart sensors that monitor the curing of concrete. This will improve quality control, reduce rework, and increase the bottom line of contractors and suppliers.
8. Rising Popularity of Pre-Mixed Sprayed Concrete
   Spraying concrete is gaining in popularity because of its convenience and consistency. The contractors are asking for more of it. It is expected to facilitate the working of the contractor, to reduce the preparation time and labor, and thus to make it more attractive to a larger circle of customers.
9. Enhanced Performance through Additives
   The use of performance-enhancing additives in sprayed concrete is on the increase, and the leading companies are Sika. Their research indicates that the life of a concrete structure can be improved by up to 40 per cent by the use of such an additive. This development will lead to innovation in formulation, which will enable companies to offer ever more superior solutions to their customers.
10. Increased Focus on Training and Skill Development
    As the complexity of spray concrete applications increases, the emphasis on training and skills development increases. Industry leaders are investing in training programs to ensure that workers have the skills they need. This trend will enhance the skill level of the workforce, improve the quality of spray concrete applications, and reduce errors.

Conclusion: Navigating the Sprayed Concrete Landscape

The Sprayed Concrete Market in 2023 will be characterized by intense competition and considerable fragmentation, with both traditional and new players competing for market share. According to the latest regional trends, demand is growing in Asia-Pacific and North America, which will lead to a change in the strategies of the companies. The more established players will rely on their experience and relationships, while the newcomers will focus on innovation and specialized applications. The most important factors will be the implementation of artificial intelligence, automation, and a sustainable approach to production. As a result, companies that master these trends will be able to maintain their position and meet the various needs of the market.