Which outcome occurs when a reinforced concrete column experiences sustained overload exceeding its creep threshold?

💡 Explanation

When exceeding its creep threshold under sustained load, long-term creep deformation becomes dominant because the concrete matrix irreversibly deforms, further reducing its load-bearing capacity and causing more stress on the rebar. Therefore, an exponential increase in column deflection results, rather than spalling, buckling, or linear decrease that require different stress patterns.

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