This paper develops a theory for the determination of the strengths, compressive membrane forces and deflections at ultimate load in one-way reinforced concrete hollow slabs with lateral restraints, when plastic hinge have been formed at the supports and near mid-span. The theory is based on an assumed rigid perfectly plastic behaviour and especially explained in detail the compressive membrane stresses which are induced by the lateral restraints. The tests on the hollow slabs with various depth to span ratios, reinforcement contents, concrete strengths and sizes of hollow diameter were conducted under short-term loading in very stiff surrounding frame. The results obtained from tests on certain hollow slabs show good agreement with value calculated according to the theory.