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
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
The 2025 draft NPPF in brief with indicative responses
Local verses National and suitable verses sustainable: Consultation open for just over one week.
Increased vigilance on VAT Domestic Reverse Charge
HMRC bearing down with increasing force on construction consultant says.
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.
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.