Based on a method proposed by the authors, a new tension-stiffening law has been proposed for short-term deformational analysis of flexural reinforced concrete members. It was derived from experimental moment-curvature diagrams of RC beams reported by the authors. A quantitative dependence has been established between the length of the descending branch and the reinforcement ratio. The proposed relationship has been applied in a simple engineeing technique based on layered approach and principles of strength of materials. To assess accuracy of the technique, deflections/curvatures have been calculated for a large number of experimental reinforced concrete beams reported in the literature. Comparison has been carried out with proposed relationship and design code methods such as the ACI 318, Eurocode 2 and SP 52-101 (new Russian code).