Plasticity in construction
The term 'plasticity' refers to the degree to which as material has the characteristic of being easily shaped, moulded or formed. More specifically in terms of material science and building physics it relates to the terms plastic region and plastic deformation - where a material is unable to retain elasticity (return to its original shape), or as such has the ability to undergo permanent deformation in response to forces being applied. It is the middle stage of the characteristic behaviour of materials under stress and strain from forces being applied, the first stage being elasticity and the last stage being fracture or failure.
It is important to note that plasticity refers to a materials characteristics rather than being a reference to a particular type of material, such as plastic.
For example, natural clay has the characteristic of plasticity because it can be moulded into any shape, but also wood can have the characteristic of plasticity, where timber beams for example over years become permanently bowed but retain their strength and do not reach fracture point.
Plastics may also posses plasticity as a characteristic when they are heated and moulded into for example building components.
The level that a material can sustain plastic deformation under tensile force is referred to as ductility, whilst a material's ability to deform plastically without failing under compressive stresses is referred to as malleability.
A material that has a very small plastic region and potentially elastic region also is referred to as brittle.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
ECA's reflections on Party Conference season
Burnham wants to be confident of winning before asking for a fresh mandate.
New Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser
Sergio Cavalaro, Professor of Infrastructure Systems at Loughborough University.
Building safety levy for England
CIAT publish estimator tool for members.
Water sector faces a growing crisis that could slow the delivery of vital infrastructure.
Undervaluing our industrial past
Heritage value changes as taste for building styles changes.
Changing expectations around competence and compliance
New information sheet from CIAT.
Grenfell investigation files passed to CPS
Angela Rayner apologises on behalf of the British state.
Electrical contractors need to understand the practical implications.
The real barrier to getting more value from digital technology.
Your guide to The Construction Reset at UKCW Birmingham.
Accommodating the Victorian and Edwardian working woman. Book review.
Rethinking passive fire protection in design
PFP demands the same level of design rigour as structure or services.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, or to suggest changes, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.