CEMENT, AGENT OF ECONOMIC GROWTH

Boyce A. Odoko

Department of Architecture

National Institute of Construction Technology

Uromi. Edo state

E-mail: odokoarch@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Cement, its contribution in economic growth of nations is significant. Cement is the super glue of the construction industry; it is the binding agent that holds construction materials together. Cement is used in the production of concrete, concrete masonry units, mortar for binding concrete blocks. It is also used to bind other construction materials such as stones, bricks and many other materials used in the construction industry. When cement is mixed with coarse aggregate, fine aggregate and water, the end product is concrete used for construction of roads, bridges, buildings, retaining walls, embankment walls, dams and many more. The construction industry depends on cement in the production of construction materials. It is important to note that the construction industry is the major engine of economic growth of nations as compared to other sectors in economic development, such as agriculture and manufacturing services. The construction industry which is the most important sector in economic growth depends on cement in production of its construction materials. For this reason, it means that cement is the backbone of the construction industry and it is also an agent of economic growth of nations.

Keywords: Cement, Water, Sand, Gravel, Crushed Stones, Aggregates, Construction, Concrete, Blocks, Rocks, Mortar, Binder, Portland cement, Construction Industry, Construction Materials, Infrastructure, Economic Development, Economic Growth.