How much change in length would 100 ft of PVC conduit experience with temperature fluctuations from -10°F to 110°F?

To determine the change in length of a 100 ft PVC conduit due to temperature fluctuations, the coefficient of linear expansion for PVC is essential. PVC typically expands or contracts at a rate of about 4.5 x 10^-5 per degree Fahrenheit.

First, calculate the temperature change:

• From -10°F to 110°F is a change of 120°F.

Next, apply the formula for linear expansion:

ΔL = L0 × α × ΔT

Where:

ΔL = change in length

L0 = original length (100 ft in this case)

α = coefficient of linear expansion (4.5 x 10^-5 per °F)

ΔT = change in temperature (120°F)

Converting 100 ft to inches, we know that 100 feet = 1200 inches.

Now, plug in the values:

ΔL = 1200 inches × (4.5 x 10^-5) × (120)

Calculating this step by step:

1. Calculate the expansion factor: 4.5 x 10^-5 × 120 = 0.0054

2. Then multiply that by the original length in inches: 1200 × 0.0054 =