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Vibrating Wire Strain Gauges for Bridge, Tunnel & Dam Monitoring: Complete Selection Guide
The global construction industry is experiencing a massive surge in large-scale infrastr...
Vibrating Wire Strain Sensors for Geotechnical Monitoring
Vibrating Wire Strain Sensor
Strain measurement is not a new topic in geotechnical engineering, but it is sometimes not easy to find a sensor that can work stably for a long time and can be flexibly installed on concrete or steel structures. Kingmach's vibrating wire strain gauges are mainly used in structures such as tunnels, bridges, and dams to monitor stress changes. The sensor itself has a simple structure and uses the frequency change of a steel string to reflect strain. Therefore, the temperature effect is small and it can be buried for many years without calibration. There are many such sensors on the market, but the advantage of Kingmach is that it can customize the length and range according to specific projects. Whether it's a long gauge model buried in concrete or a short gauge version fixed to a steel surface, it can be done. In actual installation, some projects require hundreds of pieces, and different locations have different measuring range requirements. We will supply them in batches according to the design to avoid on-site backlog. After-sales technical support is directly connected to factory engineers. There are no layers of handovers in between. Most problems can be clarified on the same day.
Technical Detail
Configured around process stability, mold life, and long-term uptime.
The principle of the vibrating wire strain gauge is to use the natural vibration frequency of the steel string to change with strain. This technology has been used for decades, but it is still more reliable than other sensors in some situations, especially field monitoring that requires long-term stability and immunity to interference. Kingmach provides vibrating wire strain gauges in embedded, surface, and welded types, with measuring ranges ranging from hundreds to thousands of microstrains. The sensor body is sealed and equipped with a thermistor inside, which can be used for simultaneous temperature measurement and correction. The signal cable uses a waterproof connector, and the length can be customized according to site needs. It is buried in the shotcrete lining of the tunnel to monitor the strain accumulation during the pressure release process of the surrounding rock; it is welded at key sections of the bridge to track wind load and traffic load; it is installed at the joint of the dam to observe the changes in structural opening and closing. These scenarios have very high requirements on the sensor life, which generally lasts for more than ten years. The vibrating wire type is the mainstream choice. Kingmach's customers are located around the world, and many general contractors and testing institutions purchase directly. The technical team will design appropriate installation accessories in conjunction with the project, and special range or water pressure resistance requirements can also be adjusted. After-sales maintenance is simple, the reader is universal and no special equipment is required. The supply cycle is shorter than that of imported brands, and the technical service response is also quick. For large-volume repetitive projects, we can prepare materials in advance to maintain long-term stable supply, and the price is more advantageous than temporary procurement.
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Products
Production modules
Rebar Strainmeters ( VW & Smart Type) JMZX-4XXHAT/HB
Rebar Strainmeters ( VW & Smart Type) JMZX-4XXHAT/HB
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Smart vibrating wire strain gauge (surface welded model) JMZX-206HAT
Smart vibrating wire strain gauge (surface welded model) JMZX-206HAT
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Smart vibrating wire strain gauge (embedment model) JMZX-215HA/215HAT/HB
Smart vibrating wire strain gauge (embedment model) JMZX-215HA/215HAT/HB
View DetailsFAQ
Common technical questions
What are the advantages and disadvantages of vibrating wire strain gauges compared with resistive strain gauges?
Vibrating wire type outputs frequency signals, has strong anti-interference, long cable transmission does not affect accuracy, and is suitable for long-term monitoring in the field; resistive type has fast response, small size, and is suitable for dynamic strain measurement, but its long-term stability is not as good as that of vibrating wire type. It is greatly affected by temperature and humidity and requires frequent calibration. If your project is buried in the structure to see the development trend in several years, the vibrating wire type is more practical.
The sensor is buried in the concrete. How do I replace it if it breaks?
Once the embedded sensor is poured into the concrete, it cannot be taken out and replaced directly. So we will do strict testing before leaving the factory to ensure the sealing and zero point stability. In the actual project, there will be more redundant arrangements during the design, and several more will be installed in the same position. If one of them has a problem, the others can still work. In addition, the sensor cables are led to the surface. If only the cable is damaged, it can be repaired on site without touching the concrete.
Does the reader have to be your brand?
No. Our sensor outputs a frequency signal that is compatible with most vibrating wire readers on the market. Common brands such as Jicon and MDA can be used for direct measurement. If your existing equipment can excite the steel string and read the frequency, it can be used. We can also provide a reader, but we will not bundle it.
Will the sensor be burned when welding the surface-mounted base?
Welding is the standard installation method. The sensor body is a metal shell, which can withstand short-term high temperatures. The base is first welded to the steel structure separately, and then the sensor is screwed on after cooling. The sensor is not welded directly. There are detailed steps in the operation manual, and there will be no problems if you follow the steps. We can also provide non-welding solutions such as magnetic seats or epoxy bonding.
What is the minimum order quantity for customizing the range and gauge length?
There is no limit to the minimum order quantity for the standard range, and we can also sell 1 piece. For customized non-standard ranges or special gauge lengths, generally starting from 5 pieces, we will give you confirmation drawings before going into production. The delivery time of customized products is 3-4 weeks, which is slower than standard products, but communication in advance can coordinate the production schedule.
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