A graphical solution for predicting the increase in strength of concrete slabs due to membrane action

Synopsis A simple graphical procedure for determining the effect of membrane action upon the load capacity of a rigid-perfectly-plastic reinforced concrete slab is presented. The load-enhancement-deflection curve is derived by asimple reflection of the yield criterion curve for the concrete section under axial force and moment. The method provides an immediate understandingof the effect of section design upon the load enhancement to be expected from membrane action.