Because the properties of aluminum alloys are dependent upon both the exposure temperature and also to the length of time of exposure, the prediction of design values for structures designed to last many years is a significant challenge. For relatively short-life structures, the need is addressed simply by planning ahead and carrying out a test plan that replicates the intended service conditions. This is feasible for structures whose design life might be as much as a year or even five years, but it is not very practical for structures for which the life expectancy is 10 years or more.
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