reinforced concrete

American  

noun

1. concrete containing steel bars, strands, mesh, etc., to absorb tensile and shearing stresses.

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reinforced concrete British  

noun

1. concrete with steel bars, mesh, etc, embedded in it to enable it to withstand tensile and shear stresses

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Etymology

Origin of reinforced concrete

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Raac is less durable than reinforced concrete as the "bubbly" structure can let water in, weakening the building material which can crumble and collapse.

From BBC • Jan. 15, 2026

Some visually appealing examples are known as shells, and these have traditionally been made from reinforced concrete.

From Science Daily • Dec. 5, 2025

Crews will be installing steel girders — long boxes of reinforced concrete — over the freeway in order to build the vegetated bridge, according to Caltrans.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2024

Most, but not all, of Japan’s modern buildings are built to stronger, quake-resistant specifications, usually using reinforced concrete that tends to hold up well.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 3, 2024

We select, as a dug-out, a reinforced concrete cellar into which steps lead down from above.

From "All Quiet on the Western Front: A Novel" by Erich Maria Remarque