It is a matter of experience to be able to judge which limit states should be considered in the

design of particular structures. Nevertheless, once this has been done, it is normal practice to
base the design on the most critical limit state and then check for the remaining limit states. For
example, for reinforced concrete beams the ultimate limit states of bending and shear are used to
size the beam. The design is then checked for the remaining limit states, e.g. deflection and
cracking. On the other hand, the serviceability limit state of deflection is normally critical in the
design of concrete slabs. Again, once the designer has determined a suitable depth of slab, he/she
must then make sure that the design satisfies the limit states of bending, shear and cracking. In
assessing the effect of a particular limit state on the structure, the designer will need to assume
certain values for the loading on the structure and the strength of the materials composing the
structure.