LAS VEGAS - By 2030 the U.S. population is expected to reach 363.5 million persons. Supplying the needed housing, buildings and roads will lead to a 43 percent growth in U.S. cement consumption by that year.

According to Edward J. Sullivan, PCA chief economist, annual cement consumption will hit 183 million metric tons, reflecting a 55 million metric ton increase compared to the past cyclical peak level in 2005.

"Sixty-three million more people will be living in the United States in 2030 and they will need homes, schools, hospitals, and roads. This construction will boost demand for cement to record levels."

While 50 percent of the rise in cement consumption is due to population growth, the remaining half will be driven by per capita cement consumption.

One sector that Sullivan predicts will incur large growth is highway construction. Today, this segment accounts for 30 percent of total annual cement consumption. To meet the demand of the expected additional 49 million drivers, at least 400,000 additional lane miles of highway must be added by 2030. Efforts to reduce congestion and "wasted" fuel and its associated emissions could further increase the number of miles.