An overload can lead to ______ deformation, as well as complete failure of the member and structure.

An overload can lead to ______ deformation, as well as complete failure of the member and structure.

• A. Elastic
• B. Plastic
• C. Creep
• D. Brittle

Answer: (B)

Overloading a structural member pushes stress past its yield point, causing plastic deformation—permanent shape change that remains after the load is removed. If the overload continues, this plastic flow can lead to necking, progressive damage, and eventual failure of the member and possibly the entire structure. Elastic deformation is reversible when the load is removed, creep is a slow, time-dependent deformation under sustained load, and brittle failure involves little to no plastic deformation before fracture. So plastic deformation best describes what happens under overload.

Overloading a structural member pushes stress past its yield point, causing plastic deformation—permanent shape change that remains after the load is removed. If the overload continues, this plastic flow can lead to necking, progressive damage, and eventual failure of the member and possibly the entire structure. Elastic deformation is reversible when the load is removed, creep is a slow, time-dependent deformation under sustained load, and brittle failure involves little to no plastic deformation before fracture. So plastic deformation best describes what happens under overload.