A flexible beam-like structure with plastic hinges and no material failure

Abstract A flexible beam-like segmental structure is presented, with a peculiar nonlinear response of the joints. The moment–rotation relationship exhibits a first linear response followed by a horizontal plateau, mimicking the moment–curvature relationship of plastic hinges in beams made of elastic–plastic material under monotonically increasing load paths. Despite this qualitative analogy with plastic hinges, the fundamental difference is that the response of the joint is fully elastic: It involves no material failure and produces no residual deformation upon load removal. In fact, the plastic-like plateau originates from the geometry of the contact surfaces at the joints, combined with spring elements, rather than from material yielding, ensuring fully reversible deformation. Prototypes were manufactured and tested to validate the proposed concept in the field, with potential applications as force-limiting structural components, acting as reusable mechanical fuses.