In comparison with its compression strength, concrete has low tension strength. On the other hand, the reinforcing steel has high tension strength. This results in the structural concept of the reinforced concrete material. A structural component made of reinforced concrete is strengthened at the locations subjected to tension by the reinforcing steel. The compression load in the structural component is transferred by the concrete.
In the case of overloading the concrete, the reinforcing steel is also used to increase the compression load of the reinforced concrete component. The reinforcement in the reinforced concrete component is divided into tension and compression reinforcement.