Faculty of Engineering Title: Stability of Columns Weakened by Multiple Transverse Surface Cracks A thesis submitted to Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in Partial Fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Mater of Science in Applied Mechanics By: Seyed-Hamid-Reza Sanei Advisor: Prof. Jalil Rezaeepazhand Fall 2011 Department of Mechanical Engineering