Why is concrete reinforced?

• A. To resist the tensile forces upon it
• B. To increase compressive strength
• C. To reduce drying time
• D. To increase thermal conductivity

Answer: (C)

Concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension, so reinforcement is added to carry the tensile forces that develop when a member is loaded or bent. The steel reinforcement, placed within the concrete, takes on those tensile stresses, while the concrete handles the compressive side. This pairing creates a composite material that can resist bending, cracking, and other loads much more effectively than plain concrete.

That’s why reinforcing is done to resist tensile forces. The other ideas—raising compressive strength, shortening drying time, or increasing thermal conductivity—aren’t the primary purpose of reinforcement.