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The available documentation on the formulation of layered shell elements is provided in the {new-tab-link:http://www.csiberkeley.com/}CSI{new-tab-link} [_Analysis Reference Manual_|doc:CSI Analysis Reference Manual]. Straight normals remain straight, enforcing full composite behavior between the layers. Straight normals do not necessarily remain normal to the mid-surface, allowing transverse shear deformation. Quadratic displacement fields are assumed for membrane and bending behavior, with appropriate handling to prevent [shear locking]. Plane-stress behavior is assumed in each layer.