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Define creep in brief

Short answer

Creep is the slow, time‑dependent, permanent deformation under a constant load, even when stress is below yield strength. It is significant in concrete, steel at high temperature, and timber, causing long‑term deflections and loss of prestress.

Define creep as a property of materials.

Creep is the slow, time-dependent and permanent deformation of a material under a constant load (stress) maintained for a long period, even when the stress is below the yield strength.

It is more important at high temperature and in materials such as concrete, steel in boilers, timber and lead. Creep strain adds to the elastic strain, so long-term deflections in beams and loss of prestress in prestressed concrete members are caused by it.

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