Since the introduction of the finite element approach, as a numerical solution scheme for structural and solid mechanics applications, various formulation methodologies have been proposed. These ways offer different advantages and shortcomings. Among these techniques, the standard displacement-based approach has attracted more interest due to its straightforward scheme and generality. Investigators have proved that the other strategies, such as the force-based, hybrid, assumed stress, and assumed strain provides special advantages in comparison with the classic finite elements. For instance, the mentioned techniques are able to solve difficulties, like shear locking, shear parasitic error, mesh sensitivity, poor convergence, and rotational dependency. The main goal of this two-part study is to present a brief yet clear portrait of the basics and advantages of the direct strain-based method for development of high-performance plane finite elements. In this article, which is the first part of this study, assumptions and the basics of this method are introduced. Then, a detailed review of all the existing strain-based membrane elements is presented. Although the strain formulation is applicable for different types of structures, most of the existing elements pertain to the plane structures. The second part of this study deals with the application and performance of the reviewed elements in the analysis of plane stress/strain problems.

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