4. Plastic adaptation of steels

4.1 General

The plastic adaptability of steel describes the material's ability to undergo plastic (i.e. permanent) deformation without breaking. This property is important for the safety of steel structures, as it enables the material to continue to perform its function even when subjected to excessive loads.

Yield strength is a key parameter for assessing the safety of steel construction. It is the maximum load the steel can support before undergoing permanent deformation. If the elastic limit is exceeded, the structure is in danger of breaking. By referring to the elastic limit rather than to failure, we ensure that the structure will not undergo irreversible deformation and will continue to perform its function correctly.

In addition,...