Final answer:
Steel is well-suited for earthquake-prone areas due to its shear strength, flexibility, and energy absorption capabilities. When used in steel-reinforced concrete, it helps maintain structural integrity due to its compatibility with concrete's thermal expansion and its ability to bend without breaking.
Step-by-step explanation:
Steel is an excellent material for constructions in seismic areas due to its shear strength, flexibility, and ability to absorb energy. During an earthquake, buildings are subjected to dynamic and complex forces that can lead to failure through mechanisms such as shear, resonance, and constructive and destructive interference of waves. Steel-reinforced concrete combines the high compressive strength of concrete with the high tensile strength and ductility of steel, allowing structures to withstand the lateral forces and deformation without collapsing.
When steel is used as reinforcing rods in concrete, its coefficient of linear expansion is nearly equal to that of concrete, allowing both materials to expand and contract together under thermal stress. This compatibility is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity during temperature fluctuations and seismic events, preventing separation and potential failure. Moreover, steel can bend without breaking, making it ideal for absorbing earthquake shocks and reducing the chances of catastrophic failure.