The effect of longitudinal cracks on buckling loads of columns.

This paper focuses on development of a new mathematical model and its analytical solution for the buckling analysis of elastic longitudinally cracked columns with finite axial adhesion between the cracked sections. Consequently, the analytical solution for buckling loads is derived for the first time. The critical buckling loads are calculated for different crack lengths and various degrees of the contact adhesion. It is shown that the critical buckling loads can be greatly affected by the crack length and degree of the connection between the cracked sections. Finally, the presented results can be used as a benchmark solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]