What term describes the shortening or camber change resulting from sustained compression loading over time?

The term that describes the shortening or camber change resulting from sustained compression loading over time is "creep." Creep refers specifically to the gradual deformation of a material under constant load or stress, occurring over an extended period. It is particularly relevant in the context of materials like concrete, metals, and polymers, which may experience a change in dimensions, such as shortening, due to the continuous application of load.

In engineering and materials science, understanding creep is crucial for predicting how structures will behave over time under sustained loads, as it can significantly impact the long-term performance and safety of structural elements. Unlike other terms associated with deformation, creep focuses on the time-dependent nature of this change, which distinguishes it from instantaneous responses to loads.