The term for long-term, irreversible deformation under sustained load is

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Multiple Choice

The term for long-term, irreversible deformation under sustained load is

Explanation:
Creep is the time-dependent deformation that occurs when a material is kept under a constant load for a long period, and part of that deformation remains even after the load is removed. This distinguishes it from elasticity, which is fully reversible, and from plastic deformation, which is permanent but not necessarily driven by time under constant load. Shrinkage is a moisture-related size change, not caused by sustained mechanical stress. In bridges, creep matters because concrete (and some metals) gradually deform under sustained loads, leading to increased deflections and changes in stresses and joint movements over years.

Creep is the time-dependent deformation that occurs when a material is kept under a constant load for a long period, and part of that deformation remains even after the load is removed. This distinguishes it from elasticity, which is fully reversible, and from plastic deformation, which is permanent but not necessarily driven by time under constant load. Shrinkage is a moisture-related size change, not caused by sustained mechanical stress. In bridges, creep matters because concrete (and some metals) gradually deform under sustained loads, leading to increased deflections and changes in stresses and joint movements over years.

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