Pick up the incorrect statement from the following: Tensile reinforcement bars of a rectangular beam A. Are curtailed if not required to resist the bending moment B. Are bent up at suitable places to serve as shear reinforcement C. Are bent down at suitable places to serve as shear reinforcement D. Are maintained at bottom to provide at least local bond stress

The correct answer is C. Tensile reinforcement bars of a rectangular beam are not bent down at suitable places to serve as shear reinforcement.

Tensile reinforcement bars are used to resist the tensile stresses in a beam. They are usually placed near the bottom of the beam, where the tensile stresses are greatest. If the beam is subjected to a large shear force, additional shear reinforcement may be required. This reinforcement is usually placed perpendicular to the tensile reinforcement and is bent up at suitable places to provide a good bond with the concrete.

However, tensile reinforcement bars are not bent down at suitable places to serve as shear reinforcement. This is because the tensile reinforcement is already providing the necessary tensile strength to the beam. Bending the tensile reinforcement down would only serve to reduce its effectiveness in resisting tensile stresses.

In conclusion, the correct answer is C. Tensile reinforcement bars of a rectangular beam are not bent down at suitable places to serve as shear reinforcement.