Probabilistic analysis of cracked frame structures

In this paper, a numerical study on the structural behaviour of three-dimensional cracked structures is presented. The compliance matrix of the cracked element is given by the sum of the compliance matrix of the intact element and an additional compliance matrix which contains all the flexibilities given by the presence of the crack. Crack depth and location are modelled as random variables in order to take into account the unavoidable uncertainty that always affects damaged structures. A simple and accurate method for the probabilistic characterization of the linear elastic response of cracked 3D frame structures with uncertain damage is developed.