Final answer:
When reinforced steel in concrete gets heated, it can result in thermal stress, putting pressure on the concrete and potentially causing damage. Engineers use various strategies to mitigate the effects of thermal stress on concrete structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
When reinforced steel in concrete gets heated, it can result in thermal stress. This is because steel has a different coefficient of linear expansion compared to concrete. As the steel expands more than the concrete, it puts pressure on the concrete, potentially leading to cracking or structural damage.
For example, in highways, gaps are intentionally left between concrete blocks to prevent thermal stress. Engineers may also design components with the ability to expand and contract freely to mitigate the effects of thermal stress.