Concrete is very strong against which type of load once it has hardened?

Concrete is well-known for its exceptional ability to withstand compressive loads once it has cured and hardened. This strength comes from the structure of concrete, which is composed of aggregates that are bound together by cement paste. When pressure is applied to a concrete structure, the material effectively distributes that pressure throughout its mass. This characteristic makes concrete particularly suitable for applications such as columns, foundations, and walls, where it primarily experiences compressive forces.

In contrast, concrete is relatively weak when it comes to tensile and bending loads, which can lead to cracking and structural failure. While it can handle shear loads to some extent, its resistance is primarily due to its compressive strength. Therefore, understanding the strength characteristics of concrete is crucial for firefighters and other personnel involved in structural assessment and safety during and after incidents involving concrete structures.