Plastic Design

Plastic design is a structural engineering approach that focuses on how materials can safely carry loads beyond their elastic limit, where they undergo permanent deformation. Instead of designing for maximum strength without yielding, plastic design relies on the idea that certain structures can tolerate some permanent bending or deformation without failure. This method allows for more efficient use of materials, reducing weight and cost while maintaining safety. It involves understanding how structures behave in their plastic (permanently deformed) state and ensuring they remain stable under expected loads, especially in safety-critical applications like bridges and buildings.