Stirrups are provided to hold reinforcement bars in place. It facilitates the reinforcements to maintain its position when load is applied on it. As the shear force in beams and columns is higher, stirrups prevent them from shifting and help withstand the shear forces acting on it.

Stirrups allow reinforcement to retain its position and prevent the column and beam from buckling. The spacing and placement of stirrups is a vital factor because it should be arranged where there exists a high possibility of shearing, like underneath a larger load and bearing part.

Purpose of stirrups:

1. It increases the compressive strength of the column.
2. It can improve the ductility of the column.
3. Stirrups prevent the buckling of main reinforcement in a column.
4. At the time of concreting, it prevents movement of main reinforcement.
5. Improves the dowel action of column reinforcement.
6. It provides lateral confinement to longitudinal bars
7. It provides resistance against shear and torsion
8. It confines the concrete in the core, thus improving ductility and strength
9. It prevents premature buckling of individual bars.