Thermal effects in a composite member having elements in parallel refer to the phenomenon that occurs when a structural member is composed of different materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion. When the member is subjected to temperature changes, each material expands or contracts differently, leading to thermal stresses and deformations within the composite member.

In civil engineering, composite members with elements in parallel are commonly used in various structures, such as bridges and buildings, to take advantage of the different properties of each material. However, the differential thermal expansion between the materials can create significant stresses, potentially leading to structural issues if not properly addressed.

To mitigate the effects of thermal stresses in composite members with elements in parallel, engineers employ several strategies. These include:

Material Selection: Choosing materials with similar coefficients of thermal expansion can minimize the differential expansion and reduce thermal stresses.

Expansion Joints: Incorporating expansion joints or flexible connections between the different elements allows for independent movement and accommodates thermal expansion and contraction.

Structural Analysis: Conducting a detailed structural analysis considering the differential thermal expansion is crucial to ensure the safety and integrity of the composite member.

Now, let's move on to the objective question.

Objective Question:

In civil engineering, what is one strategy to mitigate the effects of thermal stresses in a composite member having elements in parallel?

A$)$ Material Selection B$)$ Increasing the temperature difference C$)$ Eliminating expansion joints D$)$ Ignoring the differential thermal expansion

Please choose the correct option $($A$,$ B$,$ C$,$ or D$).$