CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Concrete is a very important material widely used in construction of many structures such as buildings, roads, and underground structures.  It is a man-made building material that looks like stone. The word concrete is derived from the latin word concretus, meaning “to grow together”. According to Bells (2015) in 1756 British engineer John Smeaton made the first modern concrete (hydraulic cement) by adding pebbles as a coarse aggregate and mixing powdered brick into the cement.

Bells (2015) also emphasized that  Concrete is a material used in building construction consisting of a hard chemically inert substance known as aggregate (usually made from different types/sizes of sand and gravel) that is bonded together by cement and water. Also, Lyons (2007) maintained that concrete is a mixture of cement, aggregates and water, with any other admixtures which may be added to modify the placing and curing processes or the ultimate physical properties.

1. 1. This material content is developed to serve as a GUIDE for students to conduct academic research work
2. 2. As a source for additional understanding of the subject.
3. 3. As a source for ideas for your own research work (if properly referenced).
4. 4. For PROPER paraphrasing (see your university definition of plagiarism and acceptable paraphrase)
5. 5. Direct citing (if referenced properly)
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