VW Strain Gauges
Introduction  |  Spot-Weldable | Surface-Mount | Rebar Strainmeter | Embedment

Applications

Strain Gauges for Steel: Weldable strain gauges measure strain in steel. Typical applications include:

• Monitoring stresses in structural members of buildings, bridges, tunnel linings and supports during and after construction.
• Monitoring the performance of in wall anchors and other post-tensioned support systems.
• Monitoring loads in strutting systems for deep excavations.
• Measuring strain in tunnel linings and supports.
• Monitoring areas of concentrated stress in pipelines.
• Monitoring distribution of load in pile tests.

Strain Gauges for Concrete: Embedment strain gauges measure strain in concrete. Typical applications include:

• Measuring strains in reinforced concrete and mass concrete.
• Measuring curing strains.
• Monitoring for changes in load.
• Measuring strain in tunnel linings and supports.

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, low cost, requires very little surface preparation, pre-tensioned, very durable, reliable VW signal transmission, built-in temperature sensor.

Limitations: Requires spot-welder, sensor must be protected if installed on driven piles, not suitable for high-speed dynamic measurements.

VW Surface-Mount Strain Gauge
Designed to measure strain in steel, this vibrating wire strain gauge of two weldable mounting blocks and the strain gauge itself. The blocks are can be bolted, bonded, or welded to the surface. 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.

Limitations: Not suitable for high-speed dynamic measurements.

VW Rebar Strainmeter
Designed to measure strain in steel that is embedded in concrete, this vibrating wire strain gauge is used in piles, tunnel linings, and mass concrete structures.

Advantages: Length to diameter ratio is 50 to 1 to minimize end effects. Built to survive concrete pours.

VW Embedment Strain Gauge
Designed to measure strain in concrete, this vibrating wire strain gauge is typically tied to a reinforcing cage. In mass concrete, gauges are sometimes configured in a rosette. Readings are obtained with a VW readout or data logger.

Advantages: Unique design provides superior conformance and minimizes inclusion effects, reliable VW signal transmission, built-in temperature sensor, durable, rosette blocks available, available in a variety of lengths.