Growth among end-use cement segments was mixed as 10 of the 18 segments tracked recorded volume gains in the second quarter of 2015, according to the latest PCA Survey of Portland Cement Consumption by User Group. 

Non-traditional paving (soil cement, roller-compacted concrete, and full-depth reclamation) – a segment in the forefront of PCA’s promotional efforts – jumped 29 per cent in the 2Q15 compared to the same period in 2014, resulting in a 39 per cent year-to-date increase. Other markets outperforming overall cement consumption this year include pre-stressed concrete with a 22 per cent gain and fibre cement siding with a 20 per cent increase.

Oil and gas well drilling volumes fell 55 per cent in the second quarter. Year-to-date volumes now stand at negative 31 per cent, reflecting the sharp decline in oil prices and rig activity. (Source: PCA)