What is the primary purpose of reinforced concrete?

The primary purpose of reinforced concrete is to enhance the tensile strength of concrete structures. Concrete is strong in compression, but it has relatively low tensile strength and can easily crack under tension. By introducing reinforcement—typically in the form of steel bars or mesh—engineers effectively improve the material's ability to withstand tensile forces. The reinforcement helps to take up the tensile stresses that would otherwise lead to failure, thereby allowing the concrete to resist various loads and forces encountered in structural applications.

This approach enables the construction of longer spans and more complex shapes while ensuring durability and safety. It's a fundamental principle in civil engineering that illustrates the synergy between the two materials: concrete handles compression well, while steel handles tension. This is why reinforced concrete is the material of choice for a wide variety of structures, from buildings and bridges to roads and other infrastructural elements.