Cochrane estimated an ongoing need for the program, including supply to replace existing rod, of 30 000 - 50 000 tonnes per year.
The second event was a continuing boom in the Sun Belt area brought about by large numbers of retirees coning into the region. This stimulated construction that required tonnes of reinforcing bar used in concrete structures , roads and bridges to support the growth.
Industry publications established a regression analysis that estimated the potential for reinforcing bar in construction :