Abstract
An algorithm to obtain the optimum dimensions of the T beam and the area of tension reinforcement for the given external bending moment is presented. Dead weight of the beam which might contribute substantially to the total moment particularly for long spans, is considered as a variable. Cost of concrete, steel and form work are considered. A flow chart representing the sequence of calculations and a numerical example are also presented. The proposed method is simple both algebraically and computationally compared to the methods available in the literature which do not account for all the variables considered in this paper.