Three-Point Bending: Plastic Hinge Formation

Option C · Three-Point Bending · Plastic Hinge Formation Elastic

beam elevation — load applied at midspan

P / P_e 0.00

P / P_e

0.000

M / M_e

0.000

M / M_p

0.000

Elastic core

100%

cross-section at midspan — stress distribution

moment–curvature relationship M/M_p vs κ/κ_e

The beam is fully elastic. Stress varies linearly across the section, zero at the neutral axis and maximum at the outer fibres. Any load removed now leaves no permanent deformation — the beam springs back completely.