Analysis of cracked skeletal structures by utilizing a cracked beam-column element

This paper deals with the analysis of cracked skeletal structures. For this purpose, a beam-column element with an edge crack is applied. This element is formulated based on the laws of linear fracture mechanics. Static behavior, natural frequencies and buckling loads of cracked structures are investigated. Furthermore, a simple and practical procedure for calculating stress intensity factor (SIF) is proposed by employing the cracked beam-column element. The obtained results prove high capability and accuracy of the cracked element and the procedure for studying the cracked frames.