A reinforced concrete member can fail mostly in the following cases:
1- When the member is subjected to excessive tension, so as to exceed the permissible stress in steel.
2- When the loading is such that the compressive stress in concrete exceeds its safe permissible value.
3- When the concrete is subjected to excessive shear.
4- On account of the slipping of the steel bars from concrete.
5- Due to the bad quality of materials used that can cause shrinkage creep or thermal effects.
6- When the member is subjected to extremes of temperature, aggressive liquids or gases.