Concrete is:-a)Good in compression, good in tensionb)Good in compression, weak in tensionc)Weak in compression, weak in tensiond)Weak in compression, good in tensionCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Accepted Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: Concrete consists of aggregates and they are good in carrying compression. But, during tension joint between cement and aggregate cracks resulting in inefficiency.

Answer

Brittle failure is sudden whereas ductile failure is warning or alarmed basis.
it can be understood by lab testing on concrete and mild steel under tension and compression.

In tension :mild steel forms cup and cone shape with 45degree and concrete fails by 90degree
in Compression: concrete fails by 45 degree and mild steel fails by 90degree

failure occurs sudden in concrete

Answer

Good in compression, weak in tension

Concrete is a widely used construction material due to its various properties, including its ability to withstand compressive forces. However, when it comes to tension, concrete is relatively weak. This is due to the nature of its composition and the way it behaves under different types of loads.

Composition of Concrete:
Concrete is made up of a mixture of cement, aggregates (such as sand and gravel), water, and sometimes admixtures. The cement acts as a binder, holding the aggregates together, while the water helps to facilitate the chemical reaction that hardens the concrete. The resulting material is a solid, dense, and durable substance that is ideal for withstanding compressive forces.

Behavior under Compression:
Concrete is excellent at resisting compressive forces. When a load is applied to a concrete element, such as a column or beam, the material undergoes compressive stress. This stress is effectively distributed throughout the entire cross-sectional area of the element, allowing the concrete to bear the load without significant deformation or failure. This property makes concrete ideal for supporting heavy loads, such as the weight of a building or a bridge.

Behavior under Tension:
In contrast to its performance under compression, concrete is relatively weak in tension. When a concrete element is subjected to tensile forces, such as those caused by bending or pulling, the material tends to crack and fail. This is because concrete is a brittle material, meaning it lacks ductility or the ability to deform without breaking. The cracks that form in concrete under tension tend to propagate quickly, leading to a sudden failure of the element.

Reinforcement for Tension:
To overcome the weakness of concrete in tension, reinforcement is commonly used. Reinforced concrete is a composite material that consists of concrete and steel reinforcement bars (rebar) embedded within it. The steel reinforcement provides additional strength and ductility to the structure, allowing it to resist tensile forces more effectively. The combination of concrete's compressive strength and steel's tensile strength results in a highly durable and versatile construction material.

Conclusion:
In summary, concrete is good in compression due to its ability to resist compressive forces. However, it is weak in tension because it tends to crack and fail when subjected to tensile forces. The use of reinforcement, such as steel bars, helps to overcome this weakness and create a stronger and more reliable structural material.

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