In concrete, tensile stress is typically what percentage of compressive strength?

In concrete, the tensile stress is generally regarded as approximately 10% of its compressive strength due to the fundamental behavior of concrete under loading conditions. Concrete is a material that exhibits much greater strength in compression than in tension. The compressive strength of concrete is its ability to withstand axial loads that push or pull the concrete together, while tensile stress refers to the material's ability to resist pulling forces.

The typical ratio of tensile stress to compressive strength being about 10% is also supported by various design codes and empirical formulas used in structural engineering. This approximation is crucial for engineers when designing structural elements, as it illustrates the need for reinforcement, such as steel bars, to improve the tensile capacity of concrete structures where tensile forces may be present.

Therefore, emphasizing this ratio helps in better understanding concrete behavior, ensuring safe and efficient designs when considering both compressive and tensile forces acting on concrete members.