The document discusses the design of reinforced concrete structures. It defines reinforced concrete as a composite material made of concrete and steel reinforcement. The concrete works in compression and steel in tension. Reinforced concrete has advantages like durability and ability to be molded into shapes, but also disadvantages such as high self-weight and brittleness. The document outlines various design methods for reinforced concrete including working stress, ultimate load, and limit state methods. It also discusses loads, structural elements, assumptions, factors of safety, and considerations in limit states of collapse and serviceability.