Red Seal Ironworker (Reinforcing) Practice Exam

What does the term 'bond strength' relate to in reinforcement?

1. The tensile strength of rebar

2. The adhesive strength between concrete and rebar

3. The compressive strength of concrete

4. The weight capacity of reinforced structures

The correct answer is: The adhesive strength between concrete and rebar

The term 'bond strength' primarily refers to the adhesive strength between concrete and rebar. In reinforcement applications, bond strength is crucial because it determines how effectively the rebar can transfer loads to the surrounding concrete. A strong bond ensures that when tensile stresses are applied to the reinforced concrete, the rebar can effectively share that load without debonding or slipping, which could compromise the structural integrity. This concept is fundamental in understanding how reinforced concrete behaves under various loads. The interaction between the concrete and the rebar provides the necessary support and stability for the entire structure. High bond strength is beneficial as it enhances the overall performance and durability of reinforced concrete elements. While other choices touch on relevant factors in structural design, they do not define bond strength specifically. The tensile strength of rebar pertains to the material properties of the rebar itself, compressive strength of concrete relates to the pressure the concrete can withstand, and weight capacity involves the total load that a structure can hold, but none of these directly address the crucial interaction between concrete and rebar that bond strength signifies.