Introduction. Numerous experimental data from Russian and foreign researchers indicate that the classical plasticity hypotheses do not take into account the different resistance to uniaxial tension and compression, the influence of the spherical tensor. At the same time, experiments show that the ultimate resistance depends on the type of stress state, and hydrostatic pressure increases the strength and plasticity of solids. Aim. To establish the dependence of the influence of the second component of stresses during biaxial compression of concrete on the parameters of the complete diagrams of deformation of the material σbR and εbR it is necessary to describe these diagrams, and to construct a closed curve on the plane of the main stresses (concrete strength criterion). Materials and methods. Based on the experimental materials of foreign and domestic researchers, including the experiments of the authors of the article, methods of mechanics of deformed solids, limit curves and a closed curve on the plane of the main stresses in the form of a chain line forming the smallest area strength surface in the form of a catenoid are proposed. Results. The article provides an analysis of the known strength criteria from the point of view of their geometric interpretation in the stress space. It is shown that these studies relate mainly to metals and metal structures, and for the design of reinforced concrete and steel-concrete structures in a complex stress state, it is necessary to develop an appropriate criterion for the strength of concrete. Conclusions. As a result, the proposed limit curves and the surface (material strength criterion) on the plane of main stresses in the form of a catenoid accurately reflect the behavior of concrete under conditions of uniform and uneven flat stress state, and the equation of the surface in the form of a catenoid is a generalization of the equations of limit curves for each of the three types of flat stress state. At the same time, there is no overestimation of strength in the "compression – compression" area in this case.