According to the Modern Homes Survey by the National Trust for Historic Preservation,
“Reinforced concrete is a composite material made of concrete, which is able to resist compression forces, and steel – usually in the form of rods, bars, or mesh – or another material that is able to resist tension forces. Reinforced concrete is most often employed as a structural material, but it can also be used for cladding and for decoration. It has been used in the United States since the last years of the 19th century.”
Source:
- “Glossary,” Modern Homes Survey: New Canaan, Connecticut, National Trust for Historic Preservation, PDF.
Images:
- http://www.maintainyourchurch.org.uk/Portals/0/Glossary7/Imj950.jpg
- http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v219/Dublin1/Dublin%20Archiseek/Clerys/HennebiqueTechnique.jpg
- http://warandgame.wordpress.com/2007/09/12/