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Application |
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Strain Gauges for Steel: Weldable strain gauges
measure strain in steel. Typical applications include:
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Monitoring stresses in structural members of buildings,
bridges, tunnel linings and supports during and after construction.
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Monitoring the performance of wall anchors and other
post-tensioned support systems.
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Monitoring loads in strutting systems for deep
excavations.
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Measuring strain in tunnel linings and supports.
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Monitoring areas of concentrated stress in pipelines.
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Monitoring distribution of load in pile tests.
Strain Gauges for Concrete:
Embedment strain gauges measure strain in concrete. Typical applications
include:
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Measuring strains in reinforced concrete and mass
concrete.
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Measuring curing strains.
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Monitoring for changes in load.
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Measuring strain in tunnel linings and supports.
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Types of Strain Gauges |
VW Spot-Weldable Strain Gauge
Designed to measure strain in steel, this
vibrating wire strain gauge is spot-welded to the surface of the steel. A
sensor is then fixed atop the gauge. Readings are obtained with a VW
readout or with a data logger.
Advantages:
Patented low-profile design reduces
errors caused by bending. Spot welding, as opposed to arc-welding, has
negligible effect on the steel. The gauge is pre-tensioned for easy
installation, requires very little surface preparation, is very durable
and economical, has a built-in temperature sensor, and intrinsically
reliable VW signal transmission.
Limitations:
Requires spot-welder, not suitable for
high-speed dynamic measurements.
VW Arc-Weldable Strain Gauge
Designed to measure strain in steel, this
vibrating wire strain gauge is held to the structure by mounting blocks
are are arc-welded to the structure. Groutable mounting blocks are
available for concrete structures. Readings are obtained with a VW readout
or data logger.
Advantages:
Wire tension can be adjusted to
maximize available range, requires very little surface preparation, can
be repositioned easily, very durable, reliable VW signal transmission,
built-in temperature sensor.
Limitations:
Higher profile than spot-weldable
gauge, arc-welding not suitable for certain applications, not suitable
for high-speed dynamic measurements.
VW Embedment Strain Gauge
Designed to measure strain in reinforced
concrete or mass concrete, this vibrating wire strain gauge is typically
tied to a reinforcing cage. Readings are obtained with a VW readout or
data logger.
Advantages:
Provides good conformance and minimizes
inclusion effects, has built-in temperature sensor and intrinsically
reliable VW signal transmission.
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