Specializing Park’s Compressive Membrane Theory

Abstract

Park’s compressive membrane theory has been used for many years to predict the capacity of laterally edge restrained reinforced concrete (LERRC) thin slabs. This note examines his compressive membrane theory and presents a methodology which proved to be successful in predicting, in a different manner, the capacity of LERRC thin and thick slabs. The suggested methodology employs the point of peak thrust, rather than a midspan deflection estimate, to select the peak compressive membrane load capacity for LERRC one-way slabs. Comparison of averaged values of normalized load capacities