concrete strain gauge

You fasten the gauge to the rebar cage using zip ties or wire. The gauge ends should be tied firmly so they don't shift when concrete is placed. We provide a protective sleeve over the middle section so the concrete only grips the end flanges. After the pour, the concrete will strain as it cures and when loads are applied, and the gauge measures that strain between the two end anchors.

Embedment gauges go inside fresh concrete and measure strain throughout the volume. Surface mount gauges are attached to hardened concrete with epoxy or anchors. Embedment gauges give a more complete picture of how the whole cross-section behaves, while surface gauges are easier to add later but only see what happens at the surface.

Yes. The vibrating wire inside is pre-tensioned so it can measure shortening (compression) and lengthening (tension). The range is typically symmetric, like ±3000 microstrain, so it works for both directions.

With the normal factory cable, you can run several hundred meters without losing signal quality. If you need more length, we can supply a signal amplifier or work with you on a suitable cable specification. We've had projects where the cable ran over 500 meters and the readings stayed stable.

You can check the frequency reading with a readout box. If the signal is steady and the temperature sensor reading looks normal, the gauge is still functioning. Many of our gauges have been in service for over a decade. If a gauge gets damaged by later construction work, it's usually obvious because the reading will jump or go open-circuit.