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 and news
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”
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.