What term describes reinforcement added to slabs to accommodate temperature changes and shrinkage?

• A. Temperature steel
• B. Rebar
• C. Stirrups
• D. Early-strength steel

Answer: (A)

Concrete expands and contracts with temperature and loses moisture as it cures, causing shrinkage that can crack slabs. Temperature steel is reinforcement added specifically to resist the tensile stresses from these temperature changes and shrinkage, helping control crack formation and improve the slab’s durability. It’s the designated term for the crack-control reinforcement tailored to temperature movement, rather than reinforcement used primarily for loading or other purposes. Rebar is general reinforcing steel used for strength and crack control under load, not specifically for temperature/shrinkage effects. Stirrups are used for shear reinforcement in beams and columns, not slabs. Early-strength steel is about achieving rapid strength development, not about temperature-related cracking.