Steel has how many times the compressive strength of concrete?

Steel is known for its impressive compressive strength, which significantly exceeds that of concrete. In general terms, steel has a compressive strength that is approximately 15 times greater than that of concrete. This notable strength difference is one of the reasons why steel is commonly used as a primary structural material in construction, often being combined with concrete in composite structures to take advantage of both materials' strengths.

Concrete, while good in compression, does not have the tensile strength that steel offers, which allows for more versatile structural applications. Understanding the relationship between the compressive strengths of these two materials is crucial in fire service and structural engineering, as it impacts the design and safety of buildings, particularly in fire conditions. The knowledge of how steel can withstand compressive loads far better than concrete plays a critical role in assessing structural integrity during a fire incident.