The results of experimental and theoretical studies of crack formation, deformation and failure of monolithic reinforced concrete frames under accidental action caused by the sudden removal of one of columns of the first floor. Experimental studies were carried out on the model of structural fragment of a three-story two-span reinforced concrete frame, designed from fine-grained concrete class B40 with reinforcement A500. The test of experimental structures is executed by the gravitational load, with use of specially designed lever loading device. Special effect in the form of sudden removal of central columns of the frame was modelled using a specially designed mechanism in the form of sudden switching-off device. The obtained experimental values of widths of cracks, deflections, pictures of cracking and failure of experimental structures of the frames before and after beyond-design action. The experimental values of these parameters are compared with the results of calculation by the method taking into account the specifics of static-dynamic loading of physically and constructively nonlinear structures under the considered special actions.