Concrete is reinforced to give it extra strength – without such reinforcement, many building projects would be impossible. Reinforced concrete can be used for many types of structures and components and can be made into almost any shape or size. The material is developed by incorporating steel reinforcement bars, plates or fibres into the traditional concrete mix.

Concrete reinforcement was first used in the mid 1800s by French building contractor Francois Coignet. His own house, built with reinforced concrete, still stands some 150 years after construction. The invention of reinforced concrete in the 19th century revolutionised the construction industry, and concrete became one of the world’s most common and most important building materials.

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