We consider long, finite-width strips of Ising spins with randomly distribu
ted couplings. Frustration is introduced by allowing both ferromagnetic and
antiferromagnetic interactions. Free energy and spin-spin correlation func
tions are calculated by transfer-matrix methods. Numerical derivatives and
finite-size scaling concepts allow estimates of the usual critical exponent
s gamma/nu, alpha/nu, and /nu to be obtained, whenever a second-order trans
ition is present. Low-temperature ordering persists for suitably small conc
entrations of frustrated bonds, with a transition governed by pure-Ising ex
ponents. Contrary to the unfrustrated case, subdominant terms do not fit a
simple, logarithmic-enhancement form. Our analysis also suggests a vertical
critical line at and below the Nishimori point. Approaching this point alo
ng either the temperature axis or the Nishimori line, one finds nondivergin
g specific heats. A percolationlike ratio gamma/nu is found upon analysis o
f the uniform susceptibility at the Nishimori point. Our data are also cons
istent with frustration inducing a breakdown of the relationship between co
rrelation-length amplitude and critical exponents, predicted by conformal i
nvariance for pure systems. [S0163-1829(99)07533-5].