2. Objective of the steel-concrete combination

Reinforced concrete is a heterogeneous combination of two materials: concrete and steel.

This combination is made possible by their very close coefficient of expansion, which allows the two materials to work together when subjected to thermal effects:

• (10 × 10 ^–6 ) for concrete;

• (11 × 10 ^–6 ) for steel.

This combination is not only made possible but also efficient thanks to their bonding, without which the two materials would work separately.

Reinforced concrete can be used to build structures capable of withstanding :

• higher loads than ordinary concrete;

• more varied stresses, in...