What is the purpose of reinforced concrete?

Question

How does it work?

Answer 1

Main reason:

Concrete (by itself) has great compression strength, but cannot hold any tension. By adding rebar to the concrete, it can now hold tension (in addition to compression).

Before reinforced concrete was invented, when concrete was used the structures had to be designed so that the concrete took compressive forces only. This limited its use.

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Answer 2

The purpose is to have something that is strong and can support a great weight above it with maximum crush resistance. Concrete doesn't crush much at all (although when it does, it's pretty spectacular).

Reinforced conrete is concrete that is poured around a steel skeleton. The steel is called "Rebar," short for "reinforcing bar."

Answer 3

Reinforced concrete is concrete with metal rebar, or rods set inside it welded into a particular pattern, usually a lattice work. Concrete is brittle, reinforcing it helps to strengthen it. Plus, if it breaks, the entire patch will not crumble, just until it hits the rebar, and the rest should stay in tact.

Answer 4

Concrete is strong in compression but not in thension. Embedding steel with good tensile strength in it cures that deficiency.

Think of a bridge beam. On top the traffic compresses it and the concrete does well there. However on the underside of the beam it is in tension and is very weak for that without the steel to assist it.

Answer 5

reinforcement is for crack control
tension to a point....

if the concrete is thick enough, you do not need reinforcement, it does not add any value

Answer 6

As far as I know, strength for bearing heavy loads, and stability, especially in earthquake prone areas.

Answer 7

strength and long lasting product