Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon that is strong, tough, ductile, and durable. It exists in many forms for construction including carbon steels, alloy steels, and stainless steels. Steel has important physical properties like strength and toughness as well as chemical properties like density and thermal conductivity. Mechanical properties are also critical and determine the load steel can withstand. Notch toughness refers to a steel's ability to resist crack propagation which is important for durability. In buildings, steel is used for reinforcement cages in concrete, as well as foundations, beams, girders, and the structural frame.