Compressive membrane action in RC one-way slabs

The static boundary conditions of reinforced concrete members often prevent longitudinal expansion by way of friction, restraints, etc. This restraint to the longitudinal expansion of reinforced concrete members induces membrane stresses which can cause compressive membrane action (CMA), resulting in an increase in the structural capacities. In the literature CMA is often referred to as arching action. In this paper, the results of NLFE analyses of one-way reinforced concrete slabs with respect to arching action and composite action in bending due to the membrane stress state are investigated, interpreted, and compared with the thrust line. Using equilibrium conditions, algebraic relationships for the structural behaviour can be derived and compared with the analytical results. Furthermore, the influence of CMA on various parameters, in particular steel stress σsx, mid-slab deflection w, and slenderness h/l, is illustrated.