Abstract Buildings are generally composed of reinforced concrete elements and understanding the response of these elements to the actions to which they are subjected is crucial for the design of a feasible, safe, and economic structure. This paper analyzes 3D finite element modeling using the commercial software ANSYS for a reinforced concrete beam subjected to three-point bending, simply supported with a doubly reinforced cross-section and transverse reinforcement. This work validated the results of a numerical model with theoretical results for a reinforced concrete beam subjected to monotonic loading. This work was carried out for the civil engineering program of Universidad Francisco de Paula Santander, Ocaña, Colombia, in order to reduce student attrition, increase motivation, and broaden the professional skills of future graduates.