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The behaviour of reinforced concrete (R.C.) structures under cyclic loading has been studied for only a few decades, and extended studies are more and more needed for structures such as bridges, where fatigue phenomena can be remarkable. In the present paper, a theoretical model based on fracture mechanics concepts is proposed in order to analyse the mechanical damage of a reinforced concrete beam with a T crosssection subjected to cyclic bending. Local phenomena, such as fracturing or crushing of concrete and yielding or slippage of the longitudinal steel reinforcement, are examined. Further, fatigue life is predicted by applying a crack growth law, and the energy dissipated during the plastic shake-down phenomenon is evaluated.