Editing Reinforced concrete (section)

==Description==
[[File:Expo58 building Philips.jpg|thumb|The novel shape of the [[Philips Pavilion]] built in [[Brussels]] for [[Expo 58]] was achieved using reinforced concrete]]

Reinforcing schemes are generally designed to resist [[Tension (physics)|tensile]] [[Stress (mechanics)|stresses]] in particular regions of the concrete that might cause unacceptable [[fracture mechanics|cracking]] and/or structural failure. Modern reinforced concrete can contain varied reinforcing materials made of steel, [[polymer]]s or alternate composite material in conjunction with rebar or not. Reinforced concrete may also be permanently stressed (concrete in compression, reinforcement in tension), so as 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 [[Prestressed concrete|pre-tensioning]] and [[Prestressed concrete|post-tensioning]].
 
For a strong, [[Ductility|ductile]] and [[Reinforced concrete structures durability|durable]] construction the reinforcement needs to have the following properties at least:
* High relative [[Strength of materials|strength]]
* High toleration of [[ultimate tensile strength|tensile strain]]
* Good [[Adhesion|bond]] to the concrete, irrespective of pH, moisture, and similar factors
* Thermal compatibility, not causing unacceptable stresses (such as expansion or contraction) in response to changing temperatures.
* Durability in the concrete environment, irrespective of corrosion or sustained stress for example.