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Home»Engineering Science»Choice of Construction Materials Based on Coefficient of Linear Expansion
Engineering Science

Choice of Construction Materials Based on Coefficient of Linear Expansion

Mezie EthelbertBy Mezie EthelbertUpdated:
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Introduction
Most materials expand equally in all directions and it is convenient to measure and express their thermal expansion in terms of an increase in length for solids and an increase in volume for fluids. An increase in length is referred to as linear expansion while the increase in volume is referred to as cubical expansion.

Materials expand when they are subjected to heat and this expansion is usually a product of the original length of the material, temperature rise, and coefficient of expansion. Theoretically, the coefficient of expansion is defined as the fractional increase in length (or volume) of any given length (or volume) of the material, per degree rise in temperature.

Mathematically, expansion = original length x temperature x coefficient

Table 1 presents average values of the coefficient of linear expansion for common building materials.

Materials Coefficient of linear expansion per deg oC
Lead 0.000029
Zinc 0.000030
Aluminuim 0.000023
Brass 0.000018
Copper 0.000017
Steel 0.000011
Dense concrete 0.000011
Glass 0.000009
Brick 0.000007
Timber (along the grain) 0.000005
Timber (across grain) 0.00005

 

How to Determine Coefficient of Linear Expansion

In the laboratory,

  1. Heat a bar of known length to a predetermined temperature rise.
  2. Determine the coefficient of linear expansion using the expression,

Coefficient = expansion/ (original length x temperature rise)

Importance of Knowledge of Coefficient of Linear Expansion in Construction
Materials used in construction often experience temperature rise depending on where they are used. Knowledge of the coefficient of linear expansion, would aid in making the right choice for the materials, the right construction methods, and the necessary allowances to be made to avoid unserviceable conditions such as cracks in the future.

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Previous ArticleHow to Determine Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion (CLTE) for Hydraulically Bound Macadam
Next Article Joints in Concrete and How to Introduce Them
Mezie Ethelbert

An inquisitive engineer with considerable skills in analysis, design and research in the field of civil engineering.

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