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Geosynthetics: Materials, Applications and Markets

BCC Research
March 1, 2008
SKU: WA1726051

Abstract Table of Contents Related Reports

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.

INTRODUCTION: STUDY BACKGROUND; GOALS AND OBJECTIVES; INTENDED AUDIENCE; SCOPE OF REPORT; METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES; ANALYST CREDENTIALS; RELATED BCC RESEARCH; BCC ONLINE SERVICES; DISCLAIMER
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
GEOSYNTHETICS OVERVIEW: GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF GEOSYNTHETICS; DEFINITIONS; Geosynthetics; Geotechnical Structures; HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT; TYPES OF GEOSYNTHETICS; Geotextiles; Geonets/Geogrids; Geomembranes; Geocomposites; Other Types of Geosynthetics; Geocells; Geofoams; Geocombs; Geopipes; FUNCTIONS; Soil Reinforcement; Soil Separation; Filtration; Drainage; Fluid/Gas Containment; Erosion Control; GENERAL ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF; GEOSYNTHETICS; GEOSYNTHETICS MARKETS
TRENDS IN MAJOR GEOSYNTHETIC END-USER MARKETS, 2007-2013: TRANSPORT; ROADS AND HIGHWAYS; Geosynthetics Applications; Reinforcement; Separation; Filtration; Drainage; Erosion Control; Current Situation; Future Prospects; RAILROADS; Geosynthetics Applications in Railroads; Reinforcement; Embankment Reinforcement; Separation; Ballast Stabilization; Current Status; Market Prospects; AIRPORTS; Potential Geosynthetics Applications; Reinforcement; Runways and Taxiways; Runway Embankments; Drainage; De-Icing Facilities; Current Status; Future Prospects; FLOOD CONTROL; POTENTIAL GEOSYNTHETICS APPLICATIONS; Reinforcement; Levee Strengthening; Containment; Waterproofing Dams; CURRENT STATUS; Levees; Dams; Future Prospects; Levees; Dams; WASTE MANAGEMENT; MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE; Geosynthetics Applications; Reinforcement; Separation; Filtration; Drainage; Containment; Erosion Control; Other Contributions of Geosynthetics to Landfills; Current Status; Future Prospects; WASTEWATER; Wastewater (Continued); Geosynthetics Applications; Containment; Anaerobic Lagoon Cover Systems; Lagoon Liner Systems; Current Conditions; Future Prospects; INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT; Geosynthetics Applications; Current Status; Future Prospects; HAZARDOUS WASTES; Geosynthetic Applications; Containment; Drainage; Surface Water; Leachate; Current Status; Future Prospects; MINING; GEOSYNTHETICS APPLICATIONS; Containment; Heap Leach Pads; Evaporation Ponds; Tailings Dams; Reinforcement; Mine Supports; Access Roads; Stockpiles; Remediation and Reclamation; Remediation; Reclamation; CURRENT STATUS; FUTURE PROSPECTS; AGRICULTURE; LIVESTOCK; Geosynthetics Applications; Drainage; Fluid/Gas Containment; Livestock Waste Systems; Industry Conditions; Future Prospects; Future Prospects (Continued); IRRIGATION; Geosynthetic Applications; Current Status; Future Prospects; AQUACULTURE; Geosynthetics Applications; Current Status; Future Prospects; PRIVATE CONSTRUCTION; GEOSYNTHETIC APPLICATIONS; Reinforcement; Retaining Walls; Seismic Protection; Separation; Below Grade Enclosures; Drainage/Filtration; Turf Drainage; Foundation Drainage; Containment; Gas Barriers; Erosion Control; Erosion Control Blankets; Turf Reinforcement Mats; CURRENT STATUS; FUTURE PROSPECTS
MARKET FOR GEOTEXTILES, 2007-2013: TYPES OF GEOTEXTILE; WOVEN GEOTEXTILES; NON-WOVEN GEOTEXTILES; GEOTEXTILE MATERIALS AND PROPERTIES; SYNTHETICS; NATURAL MATERIALS; GEOTEXTILE APPLICATIONS; ROADS AND HIGHWAYS; Reinforcement; Separation; Drainage/Filtration; Erosion Control; RAILROAD TRACK CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE; Separation; AIRPORT RUNWAYS; FLOOD CONTROL; Reinforcement; WASTE MANAGEMENT; Separation; Geomembrane Liner Cushion; Filtration; Leachate Filtration; Sludge De-watering; Erosion Control; Landfill Reclamation; MINING; Separation; Reinforcement; Erosion Control; Capping and Sealing Waste Storage Facilities; Mine Site Reclamation; AGRICULTURE; Drainage; Cow Carpets; PRIVATE CONSTRUCTION; Reinforcement; Retaining Walls; Separation; Driveway Fabric; Below Grade Structures; Drainage/Filtration; Drain Filters; Erosion Control; Temporary Silt Fences; Erosion Control Blankets; Turf Reinforcement Mats; GEOTEXTILE MARKETS
MARKET FOR GEOMEMBRANES, 2007-2013: TYPES OF GEOMEMBRANES; GEOSYNTHETIC CLAY LINERS; REINFORCED GEOMEMBRANES; PROPERTIES; GEOMEMBRANE APPLICATIONS; FLOOD CONTROL; Containment; Waterproofing Dams; WASTE MANAGEMENT; Municipal Solid Waste; Containment; Wastewater; Containment; Anaerobic Lagoon Cover Systems; Lagoon Liner Systems; Hazardous Wastes; MINING; Containment; Heap Leach Pads; Evaporation Ponds; Tailings Dams; AGRICULTURE; Fluid/Gas Containment; Livestock Waste Systems; Irrigation; Containment; GEOMEMBRANE MARKETS
MARKET FOR GEONETS AND GEOGRIDS, 2007-2013: TYPES OF GEONETS AND GEOGRIDS; BI-AXIAL GEONETS AND GEOGRIDS; UNIAXIAL GEONETS AND GEOGRIDS; MATERIALS/FABRICATION; PROPERTIES; APPLICATIONS; ROADS AND HIGHWAYS; RAILROADS; AIRPORTS; Runways; Runway Embankments; FLOOD CONTROL; WASTE MANAGEMENT; MINING; Mine Roads; Mine Wall and Ceiling Supports; PRIVATE CONSTRUCTION; GEOGRID MARKETS
MARKET FOR GEOCOMPOSITES, 2007-2013: TYPES OF GEOCOMPOSITES; MATERIALS; PROPERTIES; APPLICATIONS; ROADS AND HIGHWAYS; WASTE MANAGEMENT; MINING; PRIVATE CONSTRUCTION; MARKETS
MARKET FOR OTHER TYPES OF GEOSYNTHETICS, 2007-2013: TYPES; GEOCELLS; GEOFOAMS AND GEOCOMBS; GEOPIPES; MATERIALS; PROPERTIES; APPLICATIONS; SOIL REINFORCEMENT; DRAINAGE; MARKETS
GLOBAL MARKET PERSPECTIVES
INDUSTRY CHARACTERISTICS: FIRMS; MARKET SHARES; GEOTEXTILES; GEOMEMBRANES; GEONETS AND GEOGRIDS; GEOCOMPOSITES
APPENDIX I: COMPANY PROFILES: GEOTEXTILES; BELTON INDUSTRIES, INC; CONTECH CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS INC; DUPONT GEOSYNTHETICS; FIBERWEB PLC; FLINT INDUSTRIES; LUN-DRAIN; PROPEX INC; RODEWISCH, INC.; SOLENO TEXTILES; SYNTHETIC INDUSTRIES, INC.; THRACE-LINQ CO; WATERSOLVE LLC; GEOGRIDS; A & B GEOSYNTHETICS; STRATA SYSTEMS, INC.; SYNTEEN TECHNICAL FABRICS, INC; TENSAR INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION; GEOMEMBRANES; ACCUGEO; BAKERSFIELD, CA 93307; AGRU AMERICA, INC.; BURKE INDUSTRIES, INC; ENVIRONMENTAL FABRICS, INC.; ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, INC; FIRESTONE SPECIALTY PRODUCTS; GUNDLESLT ENVIRONMENTAL, INC.; MPC CONTAINMENT, INC; POLY-FLEX, INC; RAVEN INDUSTRIES INC; REEF INDUSTRIES, INC.; SOLMAX INTERNATIONAL INC.; WATERSAVER COMPANY, INC.; GEOCELLS; ALCOA GEOSYSTEMS; GEOCELL SYSTEMS; GEOPRODUCTS; GEOFOAMS/GEOCOMBS; AFM CORP.; BEAVER PLASTICS, LTD.; BENCHMARK FOAM INC; BRANCH RIVER PLASTICS INC.; CARPENTER CO.; DYPLAST PRODUCTS, LLC; FALCON FOAM; FOAM MOLDERS INC; GEORGIA FOAM, INC.; GEOTECH SYSTEMS CORP.; INSULATION CORP. OF AMERICA; INSULATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.; INSULFOAM; NORTHWEST FOAM PRODUCTS, INC; PLYMOUTH FOAM BUILDING MATERIALS; ROYAL FOAM, INC; STYROTECH, INC; THERMAL FOAMS, INC; GEOPIPES; ADVANCED DRAINAGE SYSTEMS; CRUMPLER PLASTIC PIPE, INC; PRINSCO, INC; DIVERSIFIED MANUFACTURERS; CARTHAGE MILLS EROSION CONTROL CO; CETCO LINING TECHNOLOGIES INC; CHECKMATE GEOSYNTHETICS; COLBOND INC; HUESKER INC.; LAYFIELD ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION; MACCAFERRI INC.; NILEX INC; SHANDONG TAIFENG GEOSYNTHETICS CORP; TENAX CORP.; TERRAFIX GEOSYNTHETICS; U.S. FABRICS, INC.; WEBTEC, INC
APPENDIX II: PATENT ANALYSIS: INTRODUCTION; PATENTS BY TYPE OF MATERIAL; PATENTS BY APPLICATION; PATENT ASSIGNEES
LIST OF TABLES: SUMMARY TABLE U.S. GEOSYNTHETICS MARKET, THROUGH 2013; ($ MILLIONS); TABLE 1 GEOSYNTHETICS FUNCTIONS; TABLE 2 US GEOSYNTHETICS MARKET BY TYPE OF MATERIAL,; THROUGH 2013 ($ MILLIONS); TABLE 3 ANNUAL SALES OF OTHER GEOSYNTHETICS BY END USE,; 2007-2013 ($ MILLIONS); TABLE 4 U.S. HIGHWAY EXPENDITURES, TRHROUGH 2005; ($ BILLIONS); TABLE 5 EXTENT OF U.S. ROAD AND HIGHWAY NETWORK, 2001-2006; (MILES); TABLE 6 US HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION EXPENDITURES, 2007-2013; ($ BILLIONS); TABLE 7 EXPENDITURES ON RAILWAY TRACK NEW CONSTRUCTION; AND REHABILITATION, 2007-2013 ($ MILLIONS); TABLE 8 RUNWAY CONSTRUCTION EXPENDITURES, THROUGH 2013; ($ MILLIONS); TABLE 9 TOTAL U.S. SPENDING ON FLOOD CONTROL DAMS AND; LEVEES, THROUGH 2013 ($ MILLIONS); TABLE 10 PUBLIC SPENDING ON LEVEE REHABILITATION AND; CONSTRUCTION, THROUGH 2013 ($ MILLIONS); TABLE 11 TOTAL PUBLIC SPENDING ON DAM SAFETY,; REHABILITATION, AND CONSTRUCTION, THROUGH 2013; ($ MILLIONS); TABLE 12 U.S. INVESTMENTS IN WASTEWATER TREATMENT; FACILITIES, THROUGH FY 2013; TABLE 13 U.S. HAZARDOUS WASTE CONTAINMENT CAPITAL COSTS; ($ MILLIONS); TABLE 14 U.S. LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY POPULATION TRENDS,; THROUGH 2006 (MILLION ANIMALS); TABLE 15 IRRIGATION CANAL LINER PERFORMANCE COMPARISONS; TABLE 16 MILES OF OPEN SURFACE IRRIGATION CANALS AND; DITCHES; TABLE 17 U.S. EXPENDITURES ON MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF; IRRIGATION FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT, THROUGH 2003; ($ MILLIONS); TABLE 18 GEOTEXTILE POLYMER CHARACTERISTICS; TABLE 19 TYPES OF BIO-DEGRADABLE GEOTEXTILES; TABLE 20 ANNUAL SALES OF GEOTEXTILES BY TYPE, THROUGH -; 2013 (MILLION SQUARE YARDS/ $MILLION); TABLE 21 ANNUAL SALES OF NONWOVEN GEOTEXTILES, BY END; USE, THROUGH 2013 (MILLION SQUARE YARDS/ $ MILLION); TABLE 22 GEOMEMBRANE PROPERTIES; TABLE 23 ANNUAL SALES OF GEOMEMBRANES BY TYPE, 2007-2013; (MILLION SQUARE YARDS/$ MILLION); TABLE 24 ANNUAL SALES OF GEOMEMBRANES BY END USE, 2007-; 2013 (MILLION SQUARE YARDS/ $ MILLION); TABLE 25 KEY PROPERTIES OF GEOGRIDS; TABLE 26 ANNUAL SALES OF GEOGRIDS AND GEONETS BY TYPE,; 2007-2013 (MILLION SQUARE YARDS/ $ MILLION); TABLE 27 ANNUAL SALES OF GEOGRIDS AND GEONETS BY END; USE, 2007-2013 (MILLION SQUARE YARDS/ $ MILLION); TABLE 28 PROPERTIES OF DIFFERENT GEOCOMPOSITE TYPES; TABLE 29 ANNUAL SALES OF GEOCOMPOSITES, THROUGH 2013; (MILLION SQUARE YARDS/ $ MILLION); TABLE 30 ANNUAL SALES OF GEOCOMPOSITES BY END USE,; THROUGH 2013 (MILLION SQUARE YARDS/ $ MILLION); TABLE 31 ANNUAL SALES OF OTHER GEOSYNTHETICS BY TYPE,; THROUGH 2013 (MILLION SQUARE YARDS/ $ MILLION); TABLE 32 ANNUAL SALES OF OTHER GEOSYNTHETICS BY END USE,; THROUGH 2013 ($ MILLIONS); TABLE 33 PROJECTED SALES OF GEOSYNTHETICS IN MAJOR; GLOBAL MARKETS, THROUGH 2013 ($ BILLIONS); TABLE 34 MAJOR GEOSYNTHETICS PATENT HOLDERS (AS OF; JANUARY 15, 2008)
LIST OF FIGURES: SUMMARY FIGURE U.S. GEOSYNTHETICS MARKET BY FUNCTION,; 2007-2013 ($ MILLIONS); FIGURE 1 U.S. GEOSYNTHETICS MARKET TRENDS, 2007-2013; ($ MILLIONS); FIGURE 2 TRENDS IN MARKET SHARES OF DIFFERENT; GEOSYNTHETICS, 2007-2013 (% OF TOTAL SALES); FIGURE 3 TRENDS IN GEOSYNTHETIC MARKET BY END-USER; SEGMENT 2007-2013 (% OF TOTAL SALES); FIGURE 4 TRENDS IN TOTAL U.S. HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION; EXPENDITURES, 2007-2013 ($ BILLIONS); FIGURE 5 OWNERSHIP OF U.S. RAILWAY TRACKS, 2006 (% OF TOTAL; TRACK MILEAGE); FIGURE 6 TRENDS IN TRACK RELATED RAILROAD; INCIDENTS/ACCIDENTS, 1995-2005 (NUMBER AND RATE PER; MILLION TRAIN MILES); FIGURE 7 U.S. RAILROAD AND RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM; EXPENDITURES ON TRACK AND RELATED STUCTURES, 2005 (%); FIGURE 8 U.S. RAILROAD AND RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM; EXPENDITURES ON TRACK AND RELATED STRUCTURES, 2013 (%); FIGURE 9 TRENDS IN EXPENDITURES ON AIRPORT RUNWAY; CONSTRUCTION, 2007-2013 ($ MILLIONS); FIGURE 10 NUMBERS OF AT-RISK LEVEES BY STATE, 2007 (NUMBER; OF LEVEES); FIGURE 11 OWNERSHIP OF U.S. DAMS, 2007 (%); FIGURE 12 TRENDS IN DISCARDS TO U.S. LANDFILLS, 1980-2006; (TONS); FIGURE 13 TRENDS IN THE NUMBER OF U.S .MSW LANDFILLS, 1996-; 2006 (NUMBER OF LANDFILLS); FIGURE 14 ANNUAL LANDFILL CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY, 1996-2006; (AVERAGE NUMBER OF LANDFILLS CLOSED, OPENED, OR; MODIFIED); FIGURE 15 TRENDS IN TOTAL AND AVERAGE LANDFILL CAPACITY,; 1990 AND 2006; FIGURE 16 TRENDS IN WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT; INVESTMENTS, FY 2007-FY 2013 ($ MILLIONS); FIGURE 17 INDUSTRY SEGMENTS’ SHARES OF WATER POLLUTION; ABATEMENT EXPENDITURES (% OF TOTAL INDUSTRY; EXPENDITURES); FIGURE 18 TRENDS IN INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT; EXPENDITURES, 2007-2013 ($ MILLIONS); FIGURE 19 TRENDS IN HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL IN; LANDFILLS/SURFACE IMPOUNDMENTS, 1995-2005 (THOUSAND; TONS/% OF TOTAL HAZARDOUS WASTES); FIGURE 20 TRENDS IN U.S. PRODUCTION OF METAL ORES, 2002-; 2006 (2002 = 100); FIGURE 21 COMPOSITION OF U.S. MINING WASTES, 2006 (% OF; TOTAL); FIGURE 22 TRENDS IN MINE RECLAMATION BOND RELEASES, 2002-; 2006 (NUMBER OF ACRES RELEASED); FIGURE 23 TRENDS IN NUMBER OF NEW FEDERAL MINING; PERMITS ISSUED, 2003-2006; FIGURE 24 TRENDS IN ACRES OF U.S. FARMLAND IRRIGATED BY; OPEN SURFACE CANALS AND DITCHES, 1998 AND 2003; (THOUSAND ACRES); FIGURE 25 TRENDS IN SALES OF U.S. AQAUCULTURE PRODUCTS,; 1998 AND 2005 ($ MILLIONS); FIGURE 26 TRENDS IN NUMBER OF U.S. AQUACULTURE FARMS; AND AVERAGE SALES PER FARM, 1998 AND 2005 (UNITS/$); FIGURE 27 TRENDS IN USE OF PONDS AND RACEWAYS IN U.S.; AQUACULTURE, 1998 AND 2005 (NUMBER OF FARMS); FIGURE 28 TRENDS IN U.S. PRIVATE CONSTRUCTION SPENDING,; 2001-2007 ($ BILLIONS); FIGURE 29 U.S. GEOTEXTILES MARKET SHARES BY END-USER; SEGMENT, 2007-2013 (% OF TOTAL CONSUMPTION IN $); FIGURE 30 U.S. GEOTEXTILES MARKET SHARES BY FUNCTION,; 2007-2013 (% OF TOTAL CONSUMPTION); FIGURE 31 U.S. GEOMEMBRANE MARKET SHARES BY TYPE OF; MATERIAL, 2007-2013 (% OF TOTAL CONSUMPTION IN $); FIGURE 32 U.S. GEOMEMBRANE MARKET SHARES BY END-USER; SEGMENT, 2007-2013 (% OF TOTAL CONSUMPTION IN $); FIGURE 33 U.S. GEOGRID MARKET SHARES BY END-USER; SEGMENT, 2007-2013 (% OF TOTAL CONSUMPTION); FIGURE 34 U.S. GEOCOMPOSITE MARKET SHARES BY END-USER; SEGMENT, 2007-2013 (% OF TOTAL CONSUMPTION); FIGURE 35 U.S. GEOGRID MARKET SHARES BY END-USER; SEGMENT, 2007-2013 (% OF TOTAL CONSUMPTION IN $); FIGURE 36 U.S. OTHER GEOSYNTHETICS MARKET SHARES BY; FUNCTION, 2007-2013 (% OF TOTAL CONSUMPTION IN $); FIGURE 37 GLOBAL MARKETS FOR GEOSYNTHETICS, 2007 (% OF; TOTAL GLOBAL MARKET); FIGURE 38 PROJECTED TRENDS IN GLOBAL GEOSYNTHETICS; MARKET, 2007-2013 ($ BILLIONS); FIGURE 39 PROJECTED TRENDS IN REGIONAL GEOSYNTHETICS; MARKET SHARES, 2007-2013 (%); FIGURE 40 GEOSYNTHETICS MANUFACTURERS PRODUCING FOR; THE U.S. MARKET BY PRINCIPAL PRODUCT, 2007 (%); FIGURE 41 U.S. GEOTEXTILE MARKET SHARES, 2007 (% OF TOTAL; GEOTEXTILES CONSUMPTION); FIGURE 42 U.S. GEOMEMBRANE MARKET SHARES, 2007 (% OF; TOTAL GEOTEXTILES CONSUMPTION); FIGURE 43 U.S. GEOGRID MARKET SHARES, 2007 (% OF TOTAL; GEOGRID CONSUMPTION); FIGURE 44 U.S GEOGRID MARKET SHARES, 2007 (% OF TOTAL; GEOGRID CONSUMPTION); FIGURE 45 GUNDELSLT ENVIRONMENTAL REVENUES BY MARKET; SEGMENT, 2006 (% OF TOTAL REVENUES); FIGURE 46 PATENT SHARES BY TYPE OF MATERIAL (% OF ALL; PATENTS ISSUED THROUGH JANUARY 15, 2008); FIGURE 47 PATENTS ISSUED FOR GEOSYNTHETIC FABRICATION; TECHNOLOGIES VS. APPLICATIONS (% OF ALL PATENTS ISSUED; THROUGH JANUARY 15, 2008); FIGURE 48 GEOSYNTHETICS PATENT HOLDERS BY NUMBER OF; PATENTS (%)

Geosynthetics: Materials, Applications and Markets

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