In regions, described as plastic hinge zones, in beams and columns, tensile yielding of the reinforcement through flexural action can occur in severe earthquakes. Where the beams and columns are lightly loaded, axially, member elongation can occur. Test results show that axial extensions of the order of several percent of the member depth may be expected. This deformation, which is ignored in current design practice, can have a major influence on the distribution of forces in a structure and its ability to survive without collapse. This paper describes the way in which elongation develops in plastic hinge zones together with the form of load deflection characteristics associated with the development of different types of plastic hinge zone.