Tensile strength is the strength a material has to withstand bending. While the importance of tensile strength exists in every structure, one of the most obvious to use its properties is that of suspension bridges. In most suspension bridges, as well as those based on that basic concept, there are few pillars that support the entire bridge. It is therefore up to the tensile strength of the steel cables to distribute the weight of the road and the vehicles that cross it to those supports. Rope has less tensile strength. Imagine driving up to a bridge supported by ropes. It is doubtful anyone would want to drive their car on it. Whether it is in a building or in a bridge, it is the tensile strength of steel that creates the important support. In that case it is functioning as both tensile and compressive strength.