> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.enercalc.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.enercalc.com/e3d-user-manual/interface/toc175916526/concrete/rc-design-criteria/toc442029130.md).

# RC Beam Design Criteria

How to define and assign reinforced concrete beam design criteria such as stirrup legs, bar size, and cover.

Concrete Design > RC Design Criteria > RC Beam Design Criteria prompts you with the following dialog.

![](https://560001759-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FWNe8U6EBBBdUJHdb2X9G%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-3d2b59a37988fe4eaf8762ea2f07f6c67dbd0a18%2FFASTFR~1_img187.png?alt=media)

It allows you to define and/or assign different design criteria to selected concrete beams. An ID is assigned automatically to each design criterion by the program and may not be changed. You may assign a label with 127 maximum characters to each design criterion for easy identification. The beam design criteria include:

* Number of stirrup legs.
* Stirrup bar size.
* Bottom and top concrete covers measured from section edge to the centroid of longitudinal bars.

You may add one or more criteria by clicking the “New Rows” button. You may also print all design criteria in the list by clicking the “Print” button. The “Assign active criteria to selected members checkbox may be used to assign the active beam design criterion to selected beams. The active criterion refers to the one that currently has focus in the list in the dialog. In order for beam design criteria assignments to take place, beams must be selected beforehand.

The program always has a default beam design criterion labeled “Default”. You may not delete this criterion or change its label. You may however change its properties.


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