Concrete Reinforcing
Reinforced concrete is concrete in which reinforcement bars (“rebars”), reinforcement grids, plates or fibers have been incorporated to strengthen the concrete in tension. Concrete is strong in compression, but weak in tension, thus adding reinforcement increases the strength in tension.Reinforced concrete can encompass many types of structures and components, including slabs, walls, beams, columns, foundations, frames and more.
Reinforced concrete can fail due to inadequate strength, leading to mechanical failure, or due to a reduction in its durability. Corrosion may damage poorly designed or constructed reinforced concrete. When rebar corrodes, the oxidation products (rust) expand and tend to flake, cracking the concrete and unbonding the rebar from the concrete.
WIKIPEDIA ENTRY FOR REINFORCED CONCRETE.