The document discusses the properties and characteristics of reinforced concrete and its constituent materials - concrete and steel reinforcement. It provides information on:
- Concrete is composed of cement, aggregate and water that hardens over time to form a durable stone-like material. Reinforced concrete includes steel reinforcement to increase its tensile strength.
- The properties of concrete and steel depend on their composition and standards. Concrete properties include compressive strength and shrinkage properties. Steel properties include yield strength.
- Permissible stresses values for concrete and steel under different loads and grades are defined in codes based on material testing. Reinforced concrete exploits the composite action of concrete and steel to form an efficient structural material.