Reinforced concrete (RC) (also called reinforced
cement concrete or RCC) is a
composite material that is resisted by the inclusion of reinforcement with a
relatively low tensile and low tensile strength or ductility. Although
reinforcement is not usually necessary, steel is a reinforcing bar (ribber) and
is usually passively embedded in concrete before sets of concrete.
Reinforcement plans are typically designed to
withstand tensile stress in specific areas of concrete that can lead to
unacceptable cracking and / or structural failure. Modern reinforced concrete
may contain different reinforcing materials made from steel, polymer or
alternative composite materials with or without a combination of rebar.
Reinforced concrete can also be permanently tensioned (concrete in compression,
reinforcement in tension), in order to improve the behavior of the final
structure under working loads. In the United States, the most common methods of
doing this are known as pretensioning and post-tensioning.
For a strong, ductile and durable construction,
the reinforcement must have at least the following properties: -
• High
relative strength
• High
toleration of tensile strain
• Good
adhesion to concrete, regardless of pH, humidity and similar factors
• Thermal
compatibility, which does not cause unacceptable stress (such as expansion or
contraction) in response to changes in temperature.
• Environmental
durability of concrete, regardless of corrosion or sustained stress, for
example.
