Some buildings rely heavily on reinforced concrete for stability, while others use structural steel. I first noticed this when I was researching on the different types of materials commonly used in skyscrapers. I wondered why engineers must choose carefully between the two if they are both strong materials. The key lies in the type of forces the planned building would potentially face. 

Both reinforced concrete and structural steel are widely used in construction. However, each one has a specific advantage over the other. Concrete is extremely strong against compression, but weaker in tension. While structural steel is strong in both tension and compression, reinforced concrete also provides the added benefit of natural fire resistance and sound insulation. Reinforced concrete is also less expensive than steel, so it can be safely used in smaller projects where extreme strength is not necessary.

The choice between reinforced concrete and structural steel depends on what challenges the planned building is likely going to face. Skyscrapers usually face high wind forces that push laterally on the building. In this scenario, the high tension strength of structural steel provides a safer structure than concrete. Construction that needs to be done in a smaller timespan also tends to favor steel since concrete needs several days to harden completely. However, in places susceptible to fire such as chemical labs, concrete is preferred due to its natural resistance to fire and weather. Overall, both steel and concrete have advantages and disadvantages depending on the type of forces and weathering that the building may experience. The choice between reinforced concrete and structural steel often depends on the location of and weather surrounding the building. Selecting the right material for the project is vital to keep buildings safe and strong. It is important to understand that there is no universal best building material, and that different materials need to be selected based on the context of the building. The research I conducted on different building materials and how they support structures helped me understand that selecting the right materials is one of the most important parts of creating structures that are safe and strong.