Then we wish to answer the question how the same beam can be designed in reinforced concrete. That question can best be answered by duplicating the calculated steel beam within the active 1•2•Build project.
Use the icon 
in the toolbar. This enables you the following dialogue:
Enter an appropriate name for the copied structure (eg Beam in reinforced concrete) and confirm by pressing the ‘OK’. You will notice that geometry, loads and profile choice were copied to a new mathematical model with the chosen name.
Optimal dimensions
The optimal dimensions of this beam in reinforced concrete, can quickly be determined by the icon 
. If you choose a section with a fixed width of 200 mm, but with a variable height, than you should define the width together with the upper and lower limits for the height:
In the next field you define the maximum relative deflection in SLS QP. 1•2•Build keeps takes this limitation into account when designing. If the current size doesn’t pass, 1•2•Build will show a warning. In addition you must define the concrete strength (C25/30), together with the steel quality (fy= 500N/mm²). With the button ‘Analysis‘ you start the calculation process.
1•2•Build hasn’t only calculated the optimal height of the concrete beam, but he has also included a proposal for the longitudinal and transverse reinforcement. You have the assurance that this proposal conforms to the standard EUROCODE 2 on
- the ultimate limit states
- the service limit states (limiting the stresses in the reinforcement steel and concrete)
Reinforcement configuration
By double clicking one of the beams in the window above one of the beams, you get access to detailed information about the proposed reinforcement:
Here you can adjust the reinforcement details if you wish, both for top and bottom reinforcement as for the stirrups. If, however, you’d specify a practical reinforcement which does not meet the requirements of the calculation (for example, 2 diameter 14 instead of 2 diameter 25), this is still clearly indicated:
Reinforcement sketch
Via the button 
, you can generate a reinforcement sketch. This sketch gives you per bar element a clear view of the required reinforcement and stirrups. It is as a guideline for the contractor.
Deflection
The maximum deflection of the structure is 1.5mm. The deflection is equal to L/2616, ie the structure complies with the requirement of L/200. This deflection is calculated based on the quasi-permanent load combination.
It should be noted that in 1•2•Build elastic deflections are calculated not taking into account any cracks nor creep! The actual deflections can be a factor 2 to 5 higher than the proposed elastic deflections.
