The subject of the plastic hinges acting as a "fuses" in the structures was covered in the previous posts.
There some other applications of the same principle, such as plastic hinges (Freyssinet's hinges) used in the concrete structures. In this case, a joint is formed in the structure, where the average stress in the concrete is x1.5 of the crushing strength, resulting in permanent plasticizing of the concrete in the zone, and allowing for rotation. The rotation angles are typically limited to 2.5 - 3 degrees. Some of the common applications are hinges in the concrete arches and hinges at the top and base of the columns (piers) in the multibay continuous flyovers.