AbstractThe stress intensity factor (SIF) and T – stress are important parameters when estimating the residual life in structures with cracks. In this study, the finite element method was used to calculate the SIF and T – stress. High order elements were employed at the crack tip to represent displacement behavior. Computation of crack characteristics (K factor and T – stress) in three dimensional specimens is presented. The stress intensity factor is determined by processing of the displacements around the crack tip. Different methods have been used for calculating the T – stress. Crack characteristics, as a function of distance from the crack tip across the specimen's thickness, is given here.