Temperature differences for buildings, ref temperature? 3

[IJR]

Pals

Do you use zero celsius (32 F) as a base or room temperature (20C, 68 F)?

Temperature differences are not well documented, or I cant find a good document

respects
IJR

 

[Ron]

It depends on what you're doing with the temperature. For general analysis it doesn't matter a great deal unless you are dealing with exposed aluminum, or uninsulated buildings in temperature extremes. For design, it can make a significant difference as you should consider the differential effect of temperature on the structure.

Because of where I live and practice, 0C is not practical, except for certain exposure conditions. 20C would be more relevant, but sometimes have to consider higher.

 

[desertfox]

hi IJR

I agree with Ron that 0C is not a practical figure.
If your making components in a factory at say 15 or 20 degrees Celesus then any temperature changes over and above that when the components in service should be checked for temperature stresses, so for instance the change in length of a component might be:-

x = l*alpha*(20-T2) where alpha the coeff of expansion
T2 outside temperature
20C factory temp.
T2 can also be a minus figure which if it were would give the worst case for the design.

regards

desertfox

 

[kelowna]

I do not know in buildings, but in bridges, the project always indicates a 'reference temperature' usually 15 to 20 degree celsious which depends on the location. All fabrication, expansion joints and meassurements are related to that reference temperature.

I would suggest that if you can not find anything relevant in the building code (sounds strange there isn't but I would not know) you take the reference temperature from the relevant bridge code in your area.