The formation and influence of compressive membrane action in reinforced concrete slabs is discussed. An experimental program is described, in which two large-scale slab specimens were tested under concentrated midspan loads. One slab was restrained against lateral expansion at the ends, while the other was free to elongate. The laterally restrained specimen developed high axial compressive forces, which resulted in a significant increase in flexural stiffness and load capacity. A nonlinear analysis procedure was used to model specimen behaviour. The analysis method was found to adequately represent important second-order effects, and thus gave reasonably accurate predictions of load–deformation response and ultimate load.Key words: analysis, concrete, deformation, load, membrane, reinforced, slabs, strength, tests.