Final answer:
Steel is the material that is equally strong in compression and tension, making it a vital component in construction, especially when combined with concrete to create steel-reinforced structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The material that is equally strong in compression and tension, unlike cast or wrought iron, is b. Steel. Steel is known for its ability to resist bending and withstand both compressive and tensile forces, which makes it a critical material in construction, especially in steel-reinforced concrete. It differs significantly from materials such as concrete, which is strong in compression but relatively weak in tension, leading to the need for steel reinforcement. Similarly, materials like glass and wood have their own distinct properties; glass is strong but brittle, and wood's strength can vary with its grain and is generally not uniform in tension and compression.
When considering materials for construction, it's important to take into account properties such as the ability to withstand compressive forces, as seen in pillars and arches, and the capability to endure tensile forces, such as those encountered in beams and cables. Steel is advantageous in that it has a high strength in both these aspects. It's also worth mentioning that certain materials, like high carbon steel, may fracture instead of bending when under extreme stress. Hence, special steels, which are alloyed with other metals, are often used for their superior properties.