The 828-m-tall Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the world's tallest building. It's essentially a steel building wrapped in exterior paneling and glass. During construction, when the beams were exposed to the elements, the building was 36 cm taller on the hottest afternoon of the year than on the coldest morning. By how much did the temperature vary throughout the year?

Key Concepts

Thermal Expansion

Thermal expansion refers to the tendency of materials to change in size or volume in response to changes in temperature. When temperatures rise, materials like steel expand, leading to an increase in height or length. This phenomenon is crucial in construction, as it affects structural integrity and design, especially in tall buildings like the Burj Khalifa.

Temperature Variation

Temperature variation is the difference in temperature experienced over a specific period, which can influence physical properties of materials. In the context of the Burj Khalifa, the temperature difference between the hottest and coldest times of the year caused a measurable change in the building's height, illustrating how environmental factors can impact engineering.

Material Properties

Material properties, such as thermal conductivity and expansion coefficients, determine how substances respond to temperature changes. Understanding these properties is essential for engineers to predict how materials will behave under different environmental conditions, ensuring safety and stability in structures like skyscrapers.