Thermal expansion/contraction

1. May 19, 2008

kamakari

I'm a little bit confused with this question, can any1 pls help? thanx in advance

A concrete sidewalk is constructed between two buildings on a day when the temperature is 25 degree celsius. The sidewalk is consists of two slabs each 3 meters in length and of negligible thickness. As the temperature rises to 38 degree celsius, the slabs expand but no space is provided for thermal expanson. The building do not move so the slabs buckle upward. determine the vertical displacement of the slabs due to buckling effect.

a=12 x 10^-6 / celsius degree

2. May 19, 2008

Staff: Mentor

What part is confusing? The expansion or the buckling?

3. May 19, 2008

kamakari

pretty much on how to solve the vertical displacement Y_Y

4. May 19, 2008

Staff: Mentor

Lacking further details, I would just assume that the slabs maintain their integrity as they expand. Assume the far ends don't move, then figure out how high the middle ends must raise up. Use a bit of trig to find the height.