[Did you know?] Why the Eiffel Tower grows bigger every summer

[S e u o n g]

The Eiffel Tower is a living example of physical principles in action. Every summer, its expansion reminds us of the importance of science in engineering and design.

The Eiffel Tower, one of the world's most iconic monuments, is not only a symbol of Paris but also a fascinating example of engineering and science. Every summer, this iron structure experiences a curious phenomenon: its size increases. This change is not perceptible to the naked eye, but it is a fact that has intrigued scientists and tourists alike.

The reason behind this phenomenon lies in thermal expansion, a physical principle that affects all materials, but which, in the case of the Eiffel Tower, manifests itself most notably due to its construction and the materials used. Below, we will explore in detail why and how this phenomenon occurs, and what implications it has for the structure and its maintenance.

Thermal Expansion: A Natural Phenomenon
Thermal expansion is a physical phenomenon that occurs when materials expand as temperature increases. In the case of the Eiffel Tower, built with puddled iron, this phenomenon is especially relevant. Iron, like many other metals, has a coefficient of linear expansion that determines how much it expands when the temperature rises. During the summer, temperatures in Paris can reach up to 40°C, and the tower's structure can heat up even more due to direct solar radiation.

This increase in temperature causes the atoms in the iron to become more agitated, increasing the distance between them and thus expanding the structure. This growth can be between 12 and 15 centimeters, a figure that, although small compared to the tower's total height, is significant from an engineering point of view.

To more info: Click here