Which of the following represents a concern for structural integrity due to temperature?

Prolonged fire exposure represents a significant concern for structural integrity due to temperature because high temperatures from fire can weaken the materials used in construction. When steel and other structural materials are subjected to the intense heat generated by a fire, their properties change; for instance, steel can lose a substantial amount of its strength at elevated temperatures, which can lead to structural failure. This is critical in firefighting and building safety, making it essential to understand how various temperatures affect the behavior of construction materials during a fire scenario.

In contrast, cool ambient air and absence of heating systems do not typically pose risks to structural integrity in the same way. While natural light exposure can affect interior conditions, it is not primarily a factor impacting the inherent strength of structural components under extreme temperature conditions.