The document discusses the design of reinforced concrete beams. It defines key terms related to beam design such as effective depth, clear cover, and balanced/unbalanced sections. It also describes the process for designing beams, which involves calculating design constants, assuming beam dimensions, determining loads and bending moments, calculating steel reinforcement requirements, checking for shear and deflection, and developing a design summary. The goal of the design process is to select a beam section that will safely and satisfactorily carry loads over the structure's lifetime.