International Research Journal of Education and Technology

Cracking in concrete beams remains a critical concern in structural engineering, influencing the safety, durability, and performance of reinforced concrete (RC) elements. This review paper presents a comprehensive analysis of existing research on the modal behavior of cracked concrete beams, focusing on frequency response, displacement characteristics, and von Mises stress variations. The reviewed literature highlights significant advancements in both theoretical and experimental methodologies, including the use of the Finite Element Method (FEM), analytical modeling, and emerging materials such as fiber-reinforced composites and piezoelectric layers for crack detection and control. Studies demonstrate that crack depth, orientation, and location significantly affect natural frequencies and mode shapes, establishing modal analysis as a reliable approach for structural health monitoring. However, existing research reveals gaps in quantitative studies addressing the simultaneous evaluation of modal parameters under cracked conditions. The present work emphasizes the need for integrated FEM-based investigations that can simulate realistic conditions and evaluate multiple response parameters, including frequencies, displacements, and stresses, to improve predictive accuracy in damage assessment. This review serves as a foundation for advancing the application of modal analysis in the diagnosis and rehabilitation of damaged concrete structures.

Keywords: Cracked Concrete Beams, Modal Analysis, Finite Element Method, Structural Health Monitoring, Von Mises Stress, Frequency Response.