Reinforced Concrete

Building material combining concrete with steel reinforcement for enhanced strength.

Overview

Reinforced concrete, developed in the 19th century, uses concrete and steel to create durable, versatile structures.

Core Characteristics

• High compressive and tensile strength.
• Used in prefabrication and monolithic construction.
• Adaptable for complex forms and large spans.

Notable Examples

• Sydney Opera House (Sydney, 1973, expressive shells).
• Pantheon Brasília (Brasília, 1960, curved structure).

Architectural Connections

• Modern: Key 20th-century material.
• Civic and Commercial: Widely used.
• Global: Universal application.

Influence and Legacy

Pioneered by architects like Le Corbusier, reinforced concrete revolutionized modern architecture, enabling brutalism.

Related Concepts & Architects

Auguste Perret (related architect), Functionalism (theory), Slab (element), Modernism (movement)