Final answer:
The claim that standard glulam beam widths are between 2-14" is inaccurate; scalar measurements like 16.0 inches between studs convert to 40.64 centimeters; the design of beams with consistent length differences requires coefficients of thermal expansion. statement is False.
Step-by-step explanation:
The standard widths of glulam beams vary, and the statement that they are roughly between 2-14" is too simplistic and not adequately specific, as glulam beams can be custom-made to various widths depending on the project. The accurate answer to the initial statement is False.
In reference to how lumber is used in construction, vertical studs are indeed typically placed 16.0 inches apart. To convert this distance to centimeters, we can use the conversion factor that 1 inch is equal to 2.54 centimeters. Therefore, 16.0 inches is equivalent to 40.64 centimeters.
For the engineering question, if an engineer wants to design a structure where the length difference between a steel beam and an aluminum beam remains constant at 0.500 meters at ordinary temperatures, they would need to account for the coefficients of thermal expansion for both materials. However, without specific values for coefficients of thermal expansion and the temperatures involved, we cannot provide an exact answer for the required lengths of the beams.