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Four rectangular, isotropically reinforced concrete slabs were constructed and loaded until collapse. All slabs were fixed on three edges with the fourth edge free. Three slabs contained openings at various locations while the fourth remained solid. The magnitudes of deflections were measured during loading and the final yield pattern and ultimate load were compared to those predicted by simple and advanced yield-line theory. An analytical computer program was developed and is presented for quick evaluation of the ultimate load and collapse mode of many types of uniformly loaded slabs by simple yield-line theory. Short specialized programs were also formulated to analyze the experimental slabs, considering the presence of simple corner levers and edge loads around the openings. This resulted in more accurate theoretical predictions and produced estimates of the percent difference between simple and advanced theory predictions. Analysis of the results showed excellent agreement between the advanced theory predictions and the experimental results. / M.S.

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Developing a rational method of design has long been the goal of structural engineering. For steel structures, through the development of plastic design and electronic computation, this now seems possible. Several methods have been proposed within the last five years, and one method has been programmed for the digital computer. Five methods are here discussed and compared and the method of Heyman and Prager is investigated in detail. The assumptions and restrictions of the Heyman-Prager method, along with the computer program developed by Kalker, are investigated and discussed. The author attempts to evaluate the usefulness of, and place the Heyman-Prager method in a proper perspective in the overall planning, design, analysis phases of the total structural evolution. It is concluded that a more efficient computer program could be developed to facilitate the structural solution and some methods by which this might be accomplished are suggested. A comprehensive bibliography is provided which traces the development of practical minimum weight, plastic design from its inception up to the present time. / Master of Science