ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the mechanical characteristics of the two main components of structural concrete: concrete and reinforcement. Since this book focuses on the behavior of materials, this chapter delves into the mechanical responses of these materials. Furthermore, it includes a discussion on cement, an essential component of concrete. The chapter provides an in-depth study of the mechanical models of concrete and steel, focusing on the models used in current standards such as EN 1992-1-1 (2023), also known as Eurocode 2. Additionally, it makes a clear distinction between the short-term and long-term behavior of steel and concrete and establishes the failure criteria for both of them.
