Static and Dynamic Analysis of Cracked Concrete Beams Using Experimental Study and Finite Element Analysis

In this paper, a simple method for defining the effects of cracks on elastic behavior of beam is presented. The cracked sections were modelled as rotational springs and the problem was solved using the finite element method. The global stiffness matrix of a beam with multiply cracked section was then assembled. For calculation of rotational spring stiffness equivalent to uncracked and cracked sections, finite element models and experimental test were used.The natural frequencies and mode shape of beams with multiple single-edge cracks were obtained and a new simple formula was proposed. Published numerical examples for cracked beams were used for validation.