Question

Steel rods are commonly placed in concrete before it sets. What is the purpose of these rods?

a) Increase concrete density
b) Enhance concrete flexibility
c) Provide structural reinforcement
d) Facilitate concrete curing

Answer 1

Steel rods, or rebar, are embedded in concrete to provide structural reinforcement, helping the material to withstand tensile stress and thermal expansion.

Step-by-step explanation:

The steel rods placed in concrete before it sets serve a very important purpose. These rods, also known as rebar, are meant to provide structural reinforcement to the concrete. Concrete is very strong in compression but weak in tension, and the addition of steel rods compensates for this weakness. Steel and concrete are compatible materials as they have similar coefficients of thermal expansion. The steel rods allow for concrete structures to handle various stresses without cracking due to the expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes.