Engineering & MachinesCivil Engineering

Why Concrete Needs Steel

Concrete is strong under squeezing and weak under stretching

Concrete holds up skyscrapers. Yet a plain concrete beam across a gap can crack under far less weight. What's missing?

You'll find out

  • How much weaker concrete is pulled
  • Which side of a beam cracks first
  • How a Roman dome stands with no steel

Why it matters

Bridges, parking garages and high-rises all rely on this partnership. Once you see it, you'll spot it all over town.

About 3 min6 interactive slides · 5 questionsLesson 40 · Zone 5

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