Viscoelastic Dampers Market - By Material Type (Rubber-based Viscoelastic Dampers, Polymer-based Viscoelastic Dampers), By Application (Building and Construction, Bridges and Infrastructures, Industrial Machinery, Automotive, Others), By End-Use Industry, Forecast 2024 – 2032

Viscoelastic Dampers Market Size

Viscoelastic Dampers Market size was valued at USD 2.5 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 10% between 2024 and 2032. Rapid urbanization and infrastructure development, especially in emerging economies, are driving the demand for VEDs. The construction of high-rise buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure projects necessitates the use of advanced damping systems to ensure structural stability.
 

For instance, in June 2023, MAURER, in collaboration with Getzner Werkstoffe GmbH, developed the new SIP-V-bearing. This innovative component uses four SIP-V units to isolate the highly sensitive building core from two vastly different load cases such as high-frequency vibrations and earthquakes. To prevent the slender structure of the building core from tilting, MAURER also installed four hydraulic dampers on the top floor to support the tilting moment.
 

Viscoelastic dampers (VEDs) have seen growing adoption worldwide, driven by escalating concerns over seismic risks in earthquake-prone regions. These dampers play a crucial role in enhancing the earthquake resilience of buildings and infrastructure by mitigating seismic vibrations and dissipating energy during earthquakes. The increasing focus on ensuring structural safety and minimizing damage has spurred the integration of VEDs in a wide range of applications, including commercial buildings, bridges, industrial facilities, and critical infrastructure.
 

This trend is further supported by advancements in damper technology, which continue to improve performance and cost-effectiveness, making VEDs a preferred solution for seismic risk mitigation strategies globally. Governments are also encouraging their use through rules and guidelines. Overall, VEDs are becoming popular because they help buildings withstand earthquakes better, which keeps people and property safer.
 

Proper installation and integration of VEDs require careful engineering and design considerations. Engineers need to accurately calculate damping requirements and ensure compatibility with existing structures. The complexity of installation can lead to higher labor costs and potential delays. While VEDs are designed for durability, they require regular inspection and maintenance to ensure they continue to perform effectively over time. Neglecting maintenance can lead to reduced damping effectiveness or even failure during seismic events.

Viscoelastic Dampers Trends

Advances in material science have led to the creation of smart viscoelastic materials with adaptive properties. These materials can change their stiffness or damping in response to external factors like seismic vibrations. VEDs adjust their damping forces based on the intensity and frequency of seismic waves, optimizing their performance. By integrating real-time monitoring systems with VEDs, continuous tracking of structural vibrations and damper performance is possible.
 

Sensors within or attached to VEDs can detect seismic activity and measure displacement, velocity, and acceleration. This data is processed in real-time to adjust damping settings or alert building occupants and engineers about potential risks. Algorithms and control systems analyze incoming data from sensors and autonomously modify damping forces to maximize energy dissipation and minimize structural damage during earthquakes.
 

VEDs are increasingly used in automotive suspension systems to dampen vibrations and reduce noise, thereby improving passenger comfort. This is particularly important in luxury vehicles where a smooth and quiet ride is a key selling point. Automakers are increasingly focused on lightweighting vehicles to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. VEDs, which can be designed to be compact and lightweight while still offering effective damping characteristics, align well with these objectives.
 

For instance, In June 2024, Tenneco, a provider of passive and electronic dampers for automotive applications, introduced an innovative and highly tunable hydraulic rebound stop (HRS) system. This system minimizes damper rebound topping energy and noise in BEVs and other heavy passenger vehicles, ensuring optimal energy absorption.
 

Viscoelastic Dampers Market Analysis

Based on the application, the market is segmented into building and construction, bridges and infrastructures, industrial machinery, automotive, and others. The bridges and infrastructures segment represents the fastest growing segment, with a CAGR of over 13% between 2024 and 2032.
 

• In earthquake-prone regions, there is a heightened focus on enhancing the seismic resilience of bridges and critical infrastructure. Viscoelastic dampers play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of seismic waves by absorbing and dissipating energy, thereby reducing structural damage and improving overall safety.
   
• Bridges and large infrastructures are often subjected to dynamic loads and vibrations from traffic, wind, and environmental factors. Viscoelastic dampers help in controlling these vibrations, reducing fatigue and prolonging the lifespan of structures. Aging infrastructure requires regular maintenance and upgrades to meet modern safety standards. Viscoelastic dampers are increasingly used in retrofitting projects to enhance the structural integrity and performance of existing bridges and infrastructures without the need for extensive reconstruction.
   

Based on material type, the viscoelastic dampers market is segmented into rubber-based viscoelastic dampers, and polymer-based viscoelastic dampers. The polymer-based viscoelastic dampers segment dominated the market in 2023 and is expected to reach over USD 4 billion by 2032.
 

• Ongoing progress in polymer science is fostering the creation of advanced materials with superior damping characteristics. These new polymers exhibit enhanced durability, stability across varying temperatures, and increased effectiveness in damping vibrations. As a result, they are becoming increasingly applicable across diverse sectors including automotive, aerospace, and industrial applications.
   
• Polymer-based viscoelastic dampers are increasingly integrated into advanced suspension systems, including semi-active and adaptive suspension technologies. These systems use real-time sensors and control algorithms to adjust damping characteristics based on road conditions and driving dynamics, enhancing vehicle comfort and handling.
   

The viscoelastic dampers market is experiencing unprecedented growth in North America and is expected to reach USD 2 billion by 2032. The North American region is involved in robust construction industry, coupled with stringent building codes and regulations aimed at improving seismic resilience, is propelling the adoption of viscoelastic dampers. U.S. government’s focus on disaster resilience and infrastructure modernization is providing a strong impetus to the market. Federal funding and initiatives aimed at enhancing the structural integrity of buildings and infrastructure are expected to drive the adoption of viscoelastic dampers in the coming years.
 

The rising awareness about the benefits of these dampers in terms of energy savings and sustainability is driving their adoption across Europe. The growing trend of retrofitting existing structures to enhance their seismic performance is further boosting the market in U.K. The German government’s initiatives and funding for infrastructure development projects are providing significant opportunities for market expansion. The focus on disaster resilience and infrastructure modernization is expected to drive the adoption of viscoelastic dampers in the coming years. Also, the Dutch government’s initiatives and funding for infrastructure development projects, including the construction of smart cities, are providing a strong impetus to the market.
 

The Asia Pacific viscoelastic dampers market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the rapid urbanization and infrastructural development in the region. The increasing focus on enhancing the seismic resilience of buildings, particularly in earthquake-prone countries such as Japan, China, and India, is propelling the demand for viscoelastic dampers. Japan is the most seismically active country in the world, with about 1,500 earthquakes annually. To cater these issues, dampers from Taylor Devices, Inc. allow structures to move and absorb the energy from the earthquake allowing structures to have minimal or no damage. Taylor Devices has completed over 780 projects worldwide including 75 projects in Japan.
 

The increasing incidence of seismic activities, particularly in regions such as Pohang and Gyeongju, is propelling the demand for advanced damping solutions to mitigate vibrations and improve structural stability and the rising awareness about the benefits of viscoelastic dampers in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability is creating significant opportunities for market growth.
 

Viscoelastic Dampers Market Share

Taylor Devices, Inc. and Sumitomo Riko Company Limited collectively held a significant share of the market in 2023. Taylor Devices, Inc., a manufacturer of innovative damping solutions, plays a crucial role in the market. The company, founded in 1955, has built a strong reputation for providing advanced motion control products used in various applications, including buildings, bridges, aerospace, and industrial machinery.

Sumitomo Riko has established itself as a premier manufacturer of vibration control products, catering to various industries such as automotive, infrastructure, and industrial machinery. The company's viscoelastic dampers are recognized for their superior performance in energy absorption and vibration mitigation, making them essential components in enhancing the structural integrity of buildings and infrastructure, especially in seismic regions.
 

Viscoelastic Dampers Market Companies

Major players operating in the viscoelastic dampers industry are:

• Taylor Devices, Inc.
• Sumitomo Riko Company Limited
• Maurer SE
• FIP Industriale
• Freyssinet
• Kawakin Holdings Group
• Trelleborg AB
   

Viscoelastic Dampers Industry News

• In November 2023, the US government announced allocation of over USD 220 billion in funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This historic investment will support over 32,000 specific projects and awards, benefiting more than 4,500 communities across all 50 states, Washington D.C., and various territories.
   
• In March 2024, Vibration Mountings & Controls, Inc. ("VMC Group") announced the acquisition of Cannon Fabrication ("CanFab"), a manufacturer of engineered commercial HVAC accessories, and BRD Noise and Vibration Control ("BRD"), a provider of noise and vibration control solutions.
   

The viscoelastic dampers market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD million) from 2024 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Material Type

• Rubber-based viscoelastic dampers
• Polymer-based viscoelastic dampers

Market, By Application

• Building and construction
  • Seismic dampers
  • Wind dampers
  • Vibration control dampers
• Bridges and infrastructures
  • Expansion joints
  • Bearing dampers
• Industrial machinery
  • Machinery mounts
  • Equipment vibration control
• Automotive
  • Engine mounts
  • Suspension systems
  • Noise and vibration control
• Others

Market, By End-Use Industry

• Construction and infrastructure
• Automotive
• Aerospace and defense
• Manufacturing and machinery
• Energy and power
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • ANZ
  • Rest of Asia Pacific 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA