What is the strongest building material in widespread use in terms of both tension and compression?

Steel is recognized as the strongest building material commonly used in construction when considering both tension and compression. Its unique properties stem from its high tensile strength, which allows it to withstand forces that attempt to pull it apart, as well as its impressive compressive strength, enabling it to support heavy loads without buckling or collapsing.

In structural applications, steel's flexibility and resilience in maintaining its shape under stress provide additional advantages. This combination makes steel an ideal choice for frameworks that require both strength and the ability to absorb loads from various sources, such as wind, seismic activity, or heavy weights.

Other materials, while useful in various applications, do not match steel's performance in both tension and compression. For example, concrete has excellent compressive strength but is weaker in tension, often requiring steel reinforcement (like rebar) to improve its tensile properties. Wood has good strength in both tension and compression but lacks the durability and fire resistance that steel offers. Masonry can provide ample compressive strength but is generally weak in tension and susceptible to cracking under stress.

These characteristics make steel the material of choice in many structural applications, particularly in buildings, bridges, and other constructions that demand high strength and safety.