Concrete has high ______ strength, yet poor tensile strength.

• A. Shear
• B. Bending
• C. Torsion
• D. Compression

Answer: (D)

Concrete is known for its high compression strength and weak tensile strength. This happens because the cement paste and aggregates form a stiff, brittle matrix that resists being squeezed effectively; under compression, microcracks tend to close or slow their growth, and the material behaves like a jammed solid rather than a ductile element. In contrast, when pulled in tension, the cracks open easily and propagate quickly because the cement paste has very low tensile ductility and the bond between paste and aggregate isn’t strong enough to bridge those cracks. That’s why pure concrete carries heavy loads well in compression (such as columns and foundations) but fails early under tensile or bending stresses unless reinforced. Reinforcement with steel or other materials is used to carry tensile loads, making a safe, durable structure.