Flexure of Statically Indeterminate Cracked Beams

Abstract

The influence of nonpropagating cracks on redistribution of internal forces in the flexure of statically indeterminate beams is studied by modeling crack as a rotational spring of known compliance, where the compliance is determined by using the relationship between the stress intensity factor for Mode I cracks and the compliance itself. The problem is formulated in terms of conpact slope deflection type equations. Results indicate significance of parameter α, which is defined as the ratio of crack stiffness to beam stiffness. It is found that for values of α > 25, the influence of discrete crack flexibility on force redistribution can be ignored.