The construction industry continues to be a hotbed of patent innovation. Activity is driven by an increased focus on environmental sustainability and workplace safety, and the growing importance of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and robotics. In the last three years alone, there have been over 27,000 patents filed and granted in the construction industry, according to GlobalData’s report on Advanced materials in construction: fiber-reinforced hydraulic binders. Buy the report here.
According to GlobalData’s Technology Foresights, which uses over 240,000 patents to analyze innovation intensity for the construction industry, there are 80+ innovation areas that will shape the future of the industry.
Fiber-reinforced hydraulic binders is a key innovation area in advanced materials
Fiber-reinforced hydraulic binders refer to a type of building material that consists of hydraulic binders (such as cement) combined with fibers (both organic and inorganic) to increase its tensile strength and improve its durability. These binders can be used in a variety of construction applications, including the production of concrete parts and the creation of semi-rigid coatings.
GlobalData’s analysis also uncovers the companies at the forefront of each innovation area and assesses the potential reach and impact of their patenting activity across different applications and geographies. According to GlobalData, there are 200 companies, spanning technology vendors, established construction companies, and up-and-coming start-ups engaged in the development and application of fiber-reinforced hydraulic binders.
Key players in fiber-reinforced hydraulic binders – a disruptive innovation in the construction industry
‘Application diversity’ measures the number of applications identified for each patent. It broadly splits companies into either ‘niche’ or ‘diversified’ innovators.
‘Geographic reach’ refers to the number of countries each patent is registered in. It reflects the breadth of geographic application intended, ranging from ‘global’ to ‘local’.
Patent volumes related to fiber-reinforced hydraulic binders
Source: GlobalData Patent Analytics
Heidelberg Materials is among the leading patent filers in fiber-reinforced hydraulic binders. Others include Gebr Knauf, Compaigne de Saint-Gobain, BASF and Holcim. Holcim produces an extensive line of cements and hydraulic binders.
In terms of application diversity, Heidelberg Materials leads the pack, while Krones and Halliburton stood in the second and third positions, respectively.
By means of geographic reach, Eternit held the top position, followed by Heidelberg Materials and Compagnie de Saint-Gobain.
To further understand the key themes and technologies disrupting the construction industry, access GlobalData’s latest thematic research report on Construction.
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