Why did it take so long to discover how to reinforce concrete?

Answer 1

The reinforcement of concrete took time to discover due to the material's inherent properties and the understanding of structural mechanics. Early builders recognized that while concrete is strong in compression, it is weak in tension, but the science of material behavior and the need for steel reinforcement were not fully understood until the 19th century. Additionally, advancements in engineering principles and technology were necessary to experiment with and implement effective reinforcement techniques, which contributed to the delay. The development of reinforced concrete in the mid-1800s marked a significant breakthrough, combining the strengths of both materials.