International Research Journal of Education and Technology

Cracks in reinforced concrete beams significantly affect their dynamic performance, structural integrity, and service life. This review synthesizes recent advancements in the modal analysis of cracked concrete beams, emphasizing frequency response, displacement behavior, and von Mises stress variation as diagnostic indicators of damage. The literature reveals extensive use of analytical, experimental, and numerical methods—particularly Finite Element Method (FEM)—to evaluate how crack depth, location, and orientation alter modal parameters. Emerging approaches integrating piezoelectric sensing, smart materials, and higher-order beam theories (Timoshenko, Reddy, and Modified Couple Stress Theory) have improved detection accuracy and model fidelity. Despite progress, research gaps persist in the combined evaluation of modal parameters under varying crack conditions and the lack of large-scale experimental validation. This review underscores the potential of integrated FEM-based and smart-sensing frameworks for real-time structural health monitoring (SHM), offering pathways toward predictive damage assessment and sustainable maintenance of concrete infrastructure.

Keywords: Cracked Concrete Beams, Modal Analysis, Finite Element Method, Structural Health Monitoring.