Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a common use for Invar tapes?

1. Measuring short distances

2. Calibrating steel tapes

3. Constructing buildings

4. Plumbing

The correct answer is: Calibrating steel tapes

Invar tapes are specifically designed for precision measuring and are particularly valued for their minimal thermal expansion. This characteristic makes them ideal for calibrating measuring tools, such as steel tapes, because they can provide a consistent standard of measurement that is less affected by temperature variations. By using Invar tapes for calibration, surveyors ensure that the measurements taken with other tools remain accurate across different environmental conditions. Measuring short distances, constructing buildings, and plumbing typically do not require the high precision offered by Invar tapes. These applications often utilize more conventional measuring tools that are suitable for general construction tasks, where small variances in measurement can be tolerated. In contrast, the primary role of Invar tapes lies in enhancing the accuracy of other measurement devices, solidifying their place in calibration tasks.