At what temperature does structural steel members typically elongate 1 inch for every 10 feet?

Structural steel members typically elongate approximately 1 inch for every 10 feet when they reach around 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This thermal expansion is a critical factor to consider in structural engineering and fire safety, as it can affect the integrity and performance of steel structures during a fire.

Understanding the thermal properties of materials like steel is essential, especially when designing structures that are expected to withstand high temperatures. The expansion of steel can lead to significant forces and movements within connections and supports, which may compromise structural integrity if not accounted for.

At lower temperatures, such as those offered in the other choices, the expansion will be much less pronounced, and thus, they do not represent the thermal threshold where this degree of elongation occurs. Knowing this temperature is crucial for fire safety and structural design, ensuring that proper measures are in place to accommodate expansion and prevent potential collapse or failure during fire events.