Which of the following is NOT an advantage of building with concrete?

Building with concrete offers a variety of advantages, and tensile and shear strength is indeed one of its key benefits. However, the question specifically asks for the option that does not represent an advantage of concrete construction.

Concrete is known for its compressive strength, which means it can resist heavy loads without crushing. However, it has limited tensile strength, which makes it weaker in resisting pulling or stretching forces. This limitation often necessitates the incorporation of steel reinforcement (rebar) in concrete structures to enhance their strength and performance under tension and shear loads. Therefore, while concrete can provide some level of tensile and shear strength, it is not inherently strong in these areas without additional materials or design considerations.

The other options provided are clear advantages of concrete. Fire resistance is due to concrete's ability to withstand high temperatures without igniting. Durability reflects its longevity and resistance to wear, weather, and decay. Thermal mass refers to concrete’s ability to absorb and store heat, contributing to energy efficiency in buildings. Each of these characteristics supports the notion that concrete is a robust building material, emphasizing that tensile and shear strength does not stand out as an advantage without reinforcement.