What are the two main components of reinforced concrete?

The primary components of reinforced concrete are concrete and steel reinforcement. Concrete serves as the primary material, providing compressive strength and durability, while steel reinforcement, typically in the form of rebar or mesh, is incorporated to enhance tensile strength. This combination is crucial because concrete is strong under compression but weak under tension; the steel reinforcement effectively addresses this weakness, allowing the composite material to withstand a variety of loads and stresses.

Using just concrete alone might lead to structural failures in tension, hence the integration of steel reinforcement makes reinforced concrete one of the most widely used construction materials. The synergy between these two materials is key to the performance and longevity of concrete structures.