Global Dry-Cast Concrete and Masonry Market By Type (High-performance Concrete, Self-consolidating Concrete, and Other Types) By Application (Pavers, Retaining Walls, and Other Applications) By End-Use (Residential Building, Commercial Building, and Industrial Building), By Region and Companies - Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends, and Forecast 2023-2032

Report Overview

In 2022, the Global Dry-Cast Concrete and Masonry Market was valued at USD 238.4 Million, and is expected to reach USD 482.5 Million in 2032 Between 2023 and 2032, this market is estimated to register a CAGR of 7.5%.

Dry-cast concrete, also known as zero-slump or stiff concrete, is a type of concrete with low water, unlike traditional concrete mixes that add water to enhance fluidity, known as the slump. Dry-cast concrete employs a markedly reduced water presence. This leads to a mixture that possesses increased stiffness and reduced flowability.

Dry-cast masonry units encompass bricks or blocks manufactured through a dry-casting procedure similar to dry-cast concrete. This technique involves the use of mixes with limited water content, resulting in masonry units that are more compact and strong.

The resulting dry-cast masonry units have precise dimensions and shapes. Dry-cast concrete is suitable for precast products where quick construction and high quality are needed, while masonry provides versatile options for constructing various structures with different aesthetics and purposes.

Actual Numbers Might Vary in the Final Report

Key Takeaways

• Market Growth: The Dry-Cast Concrete and Masonry Market was valued at USD 238.4 million in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 482.5 million by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% during this period.
• Dry-Cast Concrete Defined: Dry-cast concrete, also known as zero-slump or stiff concrete, is a type of concrete with low water content. Unlike traditional concrete mixes, it doesn’t rely on adding water for fluidity, resulting in a more rigid mixture.
• Masonry Units: Dry-cast masonry units, similar to dry-cast concrete, are manufactured with limited water content. This process results in compact and strong masonry units with precise dimensions and shapes.
• Driving Factors: The demand for dry-cast concrete and masonry products is fueled by rising urbanization in developing countries, where these materials are preferred for their strength, durability, and ease of application in construction projects. Additionally, their reduced water content aligns with environmental sustainability efforts in the construction industry.
• Challenges: The market faces challenges due to environmental concerns and regulatory pressures related to high carbon emissions associated with cement, a primary raw material in dry-cast concrete. Fluctuations in the supply of raw materials also impact the market, leading to inconsistent pricing and potential scarcity.
• High-Performance Concrete: Among different types, high-performance concrete is the most dominant, with a 51.5% market share in 2022, attributed to its exceptional strength and durability, which leads to reduced maintenance costs and faster construction processes.
• Applications: Dry-cast concrete is used in various applications, with “other applications” leading the market, followed by pavers, which are commonly used for roads, sidewalks, and plazas.
• End-Use Segments: The residential buildings segment held a 48% market share in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.3%. Commercial buildings also contribute significantly to the market due to the need for office complexes, shopping malls, and hotels.
• Growth Opportunities: The market benefits from rapid urbanization and increasing demand for eco-friendly construction materials, driven by global population growth and sustainability concerns.
• Latest Trends: Sustainability and the desire for visually appealing masonry products that imitate natural stone are driving market trends. Prefab and modular construction are also adopting dry-cast concrete for precision and quick assembly, reducing labor and construction time.
• Regional Dominance: The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region leads the market due to rapid urbanization and infrastructure development, accounting for 36.7% of global market revenue in 2022. North America is also growing steadily with a 7.5% growth rate, driven by residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
• Key Players: Prominent companies in the market include CRH plc, Basalite Building Products LLC, Unilock, Mutual Materials Co., and others, who are competing for market share and innovation.

Driving Factors

Rising Urbanization and Environmental Awareness Propel Demand for Dry-Cast Concrete in Developing Countries

Rapid urbanization in developing countries is driving the necessity for robust infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, and buildings. Dry-cast concrete and masonry products have gained popularity due to their strength, durability, and ease of application in these construction projects.

The demand for these materials is particularly increased in regions susceptible to natural disasters, underlining the importance of reliable concrete products for creating sustainable and resilient infrastructure.

From an environmental standpoint, dry-cast concrete offers several benefits owing to its reduced water content, aligning well with the construction industry’s growing focus on water conservation and sustainability. The construction sector adapts by introducing innovative formulations and additives incorporating recycled materials or reducing carbon footprint.

As environmental consciousness expands, there is a noticeable shift toward adopting eco-friendly construction materials, further driving the market for dry-cast concrete and masonry products.

Restraining Factors

The Environmental Concerns and the Consequent Regulatory Pressures, coupled with Fluctuations in Raw Materials, pose challenges in the Global Dry-Cast Concrete and Masonry Market

The global dry-cast concrete and masonry market is constrained by pressing environmental concerns and fluctuations in raw material prices. Cement, a primary raw material in dry-cast concrete, is linked to high carbon emissions, prompting regulatory pressures to address its environmental impact.

Concrete production accounts for approximately 8% of global CO2 emissions, so governments and environmental groups advocate for greener alternatives and stricter emission regulations. This shift towards sustainability challenges the conventional use of concrete in construction.

Furthermore, dry-cast concrete and masonry production relies on a consistent supply of raw materials like cement and aggregates. Fluctuations in supply lead to inconsistent pricing and potential scarcity, disrupting project timelines and escalating costs. These dual restraints demand innovative solutions to mitigate the carbon footprint of concrete production while ensuring a stable supply chain for construction materials.

By Type Analysis

The High-Performance Concrete Segment Held the Largest Market Share in 2022 Due to Its Strength and Durability

Based on type, the global dry-cast concrete and masonry market is categorized into high-performance concrete, self-consolidating concrete, and other types. Among these, high-performance concrete is the most lucrative segment in the market, with a market share of 51.5% in 2022, and it is estimated to register a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecasted period.

This dominance is due to High-performance concrete possessing exceptional strength and durability compared to conventional concrete mixes. The increased durability of high-performance concrete translates to reduced maintenance costs over the lifespan of a structure. The superior performance of these products can lead to faster construction processes. With its higher early strength gain, structures can be delivered sooner, reducing downtime and accelerating project completion.

The Self-Consolidating Concrete is known for its excellent flowability and ability to self-level, allowing it to fill complex and congested formwork without excessive vibration. This ease of placement significantly reduces labor requirements and the need for specialized equipment and increases construction efficiency. These factors drive the growth of the self-consolidating concrete segment.

By Application

Other Applications Lead with Largest Share; Pavers Segment Shows Steady Growth In Near Future

By application, the market for Dry-Cast Concrete and masonry is further divided into retaining walls, pavers, and other applications. Among these, the other application accounted for the largest market share and is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 8.0% from 2023 to 2032. Because of the strength and durability offered by dry-cast concrete, it is used in various applications such as water management products, roadway and pavement, landscaping, and other applications.

The pavers segment accounted for 20.8% of the global revenue share, and it is estimated to grow at a steady growth rate.  As urbanization continues to increase worldwide, the demand for infrastructure development and urban spaces such as roads, sidewalks, and plazas also grows. Pavers are commonly used for creating durable and visually appealing surfaces in these areas, driving the demand for pavers.

By End-Use

Based on End-Use, the market for Dry-Cast Concrete and masonry residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Among these, the residential buildings segment held a market share of 48% in 2022, and it is projected to grow with an 8.3% CAGR during the estimated period. The global population is steadily increasing, increasing demand for residential housing.

Also, real estate developers and investors often focus on residential projects due to the consistent demand for housing. Additionally, urbanization continues as people migrate to cities for better economic opportunities. Both of these factors drive the need for new residential buildings.

Moreover, the expanding middle-class population in many countries increases the affordability of homeownership for a larger segment of society. This leads to higher demand for residential units. The commercial segment accounted for the second most lucrative segment in the market.

Rising urbanization and expanding cities have driven the need for spaces for office complexes, shopping malls, and hotels. These buildings require robust construction materials such as dry-cast concrete and masonry, ensuring safety and long-lasting quality.

Key Market Segments

By Type

• High-performance Concrete
• Self-consolidating Concrete
• Other Types

By Application

• Pavers
• Retaining Walls
• Other Applications

By End-Use

• Residential Building
• Commercial Building
• Industrial Building

Growth Opportunities

Rapid Urbanization and Demand for Eco-friendly Construction Presents Growth Opportunities in the Global Dry-Cast Concrete and Masonry Market

The dry-cast concrete and masonry market is experiencing significant growth opportunities due to its wide range of applications in the construction industry and the escalating demand for sustainable and efficient construction materials. With the ongoing global population growth and urbanization, the necessity for essential infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and public facilities is on the rise.

Dry-cast concrete and masonry items, including precast concrete components, play a crucial role in these ventures due to their robustness, longevity, and ease of setup. Furthermore, the push towards sustainable construction methods fuels the desire for environmentally friendly construction materials.

Dry-cast concrete and masonry products offer a more ecologically sound option than traditional techniques, requiring less water and generating fewer carbon emissions. This aligns perfectly with the growing focus on adhering to green building certifications and regulations.

Moreover, the production of dry-cast concrete products occurs off-site in controlled conditions, reducing on-site construction duration. This enhanced efficiency can lead to reduced costs for builders and developers. Additionally, quicker construction timelines can be especially beneficial in regions with limited construction seasons.

Latest Trends

As the focus on sustainability increases, the popularity of fry-cast concrete and masonry will increase. These eco-friendly alternatives promise reduced water consumption and waste generation, aligning with environmental goals. Moreover, rapid urbanization fuels the need for construction materials worldwide, with a spotlight on dry-cast concrete and masonry products. Infrastructure ventures like bridges, roads, and commercial structures amplify this trend, driving market growth.

The market witnesses a rising desire for visually appealing masonry products that imitate natural stone. Manufacturers respond by expanding options and introducing varied textures, colors, and shapes.  Furthermore, these elements find a home in prefab and modular construction due to their precision and quick assembly, reducing labor and construction time.

Regional Analysis

APAC is the Dominant Region in the Global Dry-Cast Concrete and Masonry Market

In 2022, the APAC region’s rapid urbanization and infrastructure development led to a substantial 36.7% global market revenue share, driven by robust construction activity. This economic growth fueled demand for construction materials like dry-cast concrete and masonry products.

North America will register a 7.5% growth rate during the forecasted period due to a strong construction industry and the widespread use of these materials. Ongoing residential, commercial, and industrial projects in North America sustained a consistent demand for dry-cast concrete and masonry products, reflecting the region’s well-established construction sector and dynamic growth.

Key Regions and Countries

• North America
  • The US
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Russia & CIS
  • Rest of Europe
• APAC
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • ASEAN
  • Rest of APAC
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA

Key Players Analysis

The competitive landscape of the dry-cast concrete and masonry market features a diverse array of prominent players vying for market share and innovation. Companies such as CRH plc, Basalite Building Products LLC, Unilock, and Mutual Materials Co. are at the forefront, leveraging their extensive experience and comprehensive product portfolios to maintain a competitive edge.

Market Key Players

• CRH plc
• Basalite Building Products LLC
• Unilock
• Mutual Materials Co.
• Con Cast Pipe Inc.
• E.L. Paving Products
• Sika AG
• Wieser Concrete
• Rochester Cement Products, Inc.
• Solidia Technologies
• Other Key Players

Recent Developments

• In May 2023, Solidia Technologies, a leading provider of decarbonization technologies and sustainable, high-performance construction and building material solutions, announced its first concrete products manufacturing plant to produce pavers and concrete masonry units at Alamo Junction in Elmendorf, Texas.

Report Scope