The linear finite element analysis of a reinforced concrete beam, using cosmos/m, a finite element analysis system is presented. The objective of this study was to find a suitable model to represent the behaviour of a simply supported reinforced concrete beam in flexure. The elements form the cosmos/m element library was utilised to model the beam, they are; (a) the three noded triangular element and (b) 8 node quadrilateral plane stress element, (c) 8 node solid element and (d) the 4 node composite quadrilateral shell element. The main area of investigations include the determination of the midspan displacement as well as the stress and strain variation in the beam up to failure. Three different material modelling for concrete was adopted namely : constant E-value throughout, different E-value and varying E-value for concrete in tension. The performance of the various element were compared and the predicated displacements, stress and strain form the finite element analysis were compared with experimental results of two reinforced concrete beams. Discrete crack was simulated in the finite element model using the 8 node quadrilateral plane stress element and the influence on the predicted results was examined. It can be concluded that from the F.E.A the 8 node quadrilateral plane stress element gave the closest correspondence with the test results and the third material model was found to be most suitable model.