Final answer:
The tensile strength of unreinforced concrete is typically about 10-15 percent of its compressive strength. This difference in strength is due to the nature of concrete as a brittle material, meaning it is prone to cracking and breaking under tension.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tensile strength of unreinforced concrete is typically about 10-15 percent of its compressive strength. This means that the tensile strength is considerably lower than the compressive strength.
For example, if the compressive strength of uncreinforced concrete is 20 × 10^6 N/m², the tensile strength would be around 2-3 × 10^6 N/m².
This difference in strength is due to the nature of concrete as a brittle material, meaning it is prone to cracking and breaking under tension.