NCIDQ IDFX Practice Exam

Which material is commonly used for reinforcing cast-in-place concrete?

1. High-strength steel

2. Mild steel

3. Aluminum alloy

4. Recycled plastics

The correct answer is: Mild steel

The commonly used material for reinforcing cast-in-place concrete is mild steel. This material is chosen for its excellent combination of strength and ductility, qualities that provide the necessary structural support to handle tensile forces in concrete, which is primarily strong in compression but weak in tension. Mild steel reinforcement helps prevent structural failure and adds to the overall durability of concrete structures. While high-strength steel could also be used in certain applications, it is less prevalent for general reinforcement due to its higher cost and specific usage scenarios. Aluminum alloys and recycled plastics are not typically used to reinforce concrete; they do not possess the same level of strength and compatibility with concrete that mild steel offers. Therefore, mild steel emerges as the most common and practical choice for this purpose.