NICET - Highway Construction Inspection Practice Exam

Why might corrections need to be made when using a steel tape?

1. It can be damaged easily

2. It expands and contracts with temperature changes

3. It may provide inaccurate measurements in sunlight

4. It is not calibrated correctly

The correct answer is: It expands and contracts with temperature changes

When using a steel tape for measurements, it is crucial to account for the effects of temperature changes, which directly influence the accuracy of the tape. Steel tape measures are made of metal, and like all metals, they will expand when heated and contract when cooled. This means that if the tape is used in varying temperatures without making necessary corrections, the measurements obtained could either be too long or too short depending on the conditions at the time of the measurement. For example, if a steel tape is measured on a hot day, the tape will expand, resulting in a longer measurement than if the same tape were used on a cold day where it would be shorter. Therefore, to ensure precise and reliable measurements, adjustments must be made based on the temperature at the time of the measurement. This consideration is critical, especially in highway construction where exact dimensions can significantly impact project outcomes.