Load capacity of high-strength reinforced concrete slabs by yield line theory

The objective of this study is to determine whether or not the yield line theory, an effective method widely used for slabs made of ordinary concrete, can be used also for the reinforced concrete slabs made of high-strength concrete. Flexural behavior of simply supported slabs in three different sizes were investigated under concentrated load at mid-span. Additionally, behavior of high strength reinforced concrete slabs with 50 mm and 150 mm reinforcement spacings also studied. Failure loads, deflections, experimental and theoretical failure mechanisms were evaluated. The difference between the moments based on yield line theory and experimental moments varied between 1% to 3%. Experimental and analysis results revealed that yield line analysis could conveniently be employed in the analysis of high strength reinforced concrete slabs.