Plastic Hinge Analysis — Plastic Collapse Analysis of Structures

Plastic hinge analysis is a structural engineering method that determines the load-carrying capacity of a structure by tracking the sequential formation of plastic hinges — localised zones where a cross-section has fully yielded — until a kinematic collapse mechanism is formed. Rooted in plastic theory, it provides a more economical and realistic estimate of ultimate structural capacity than purely elastic approaches, and is widely used in the design and assessment of steel frames, reinforced concrete beams, and other ductile structural systems.