Reinforced concrete is a composite material consisting of concrete and reinforcing steel. The steel is installed in the concrete formwork and poured with concrete. The adhesion of the cement binder and the ribbed surface of the reinforcing steel results in a good composite effect of both building material components. The elongation behaviour of concrete and steel is almost the same in the non-cracked state, which allows a perfect bond to be created. The concrete surrounding the reinforcing steel protects it from corrosion.
Due to its high tensile strength, the reinforcing steel absorbs the tensile forces acting in the component. Any compressive stress that occurs is absorbed by the high compressive strength of the concrete.
In the case of the single-span girder, a compressive load in the upper area and a tensile load in the lower area usually occurs when loaded by payloads.
Source: bauwion
