Reinforced concrete is a composite material consisting of concrete and steel reinforcement to improve its structural performance. Concrete exhibits greater strength in compression, while steel excels in tension. A structure's overall tensile strength can be significantly increased by adding steel bars (rebar) or mesh, which allows the structure to withstand a range of loads and stresses.

It is common practice in construction to use this mixture to create a strong, versatile material for beams, columns, and slabs. Applications for reinforced concrete include residential buildings and major infrastructure projects due to its strength, flexibility, and ability to take on many shapes.