Embeddable vibrating wire sensor designed for monitoring internal strain and stress in concrete structures.
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Embeddable vibrating wire sensor designed for monitoring internal strain and stress in concrete structures.
The Geolook Vibrating Wire (VW) Embedment Strain Gauge is designed for direct burial in concrete. It is the primary tool for monitoring the internal behavior of mass concrete in dams, bridge piers, tunnel linings, and foundations. The gauge consists of two end flanges connected by a stainless steel tube containing a tensioned vibrating wire. As the concrete cures and later undergoes loading, the microscopic deformation (strain) of the concrete is transferred through the end flanges to the wire. This change in tension is measured as a frequency, providing a highly stable and precise record of the structure's internal health.
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The sensor works on the principle that a change in the length of the concrete directly changes the tension of the internal wire. When the concrete compresses, the tension in the wire decreases; when it stretches (tension), the wire tension increases.
By plucking the wire with an electromagnetic coil and measuring its resonant frequency, the sensor provides a digital-like frequency output. This signal can travel kilometers through copper cables without any loss of accuracy, which is essential for sensors buried deep inside massive concrete blocks.
These gauges are typically tied to the reinforcing bar (rebar) cage before the concrete is poured. Orientation is key: they are placed parallel to the expected direction of strain.
For complex stress analysis, multiple gauges are often installed in a 'Rosette' configuration (e.g., at 0°, 45°, and 90°) to calculate the magnitude and direction of the principal stresses within the concrete mass.
In geotechnical engineering, 'Strain' is always affected by 'Temperature.' As concrete cures, it generates heat (hydration), causing expansion. Later, environmental changes cause thermal contraction.
The G77-V150 includes a built-in thermistor. This allows engineers to distinguish between 'Thermal Strain' (expansion/contraction due to heat) and 'Structural Strain' (deformation due to physical load), ensuring the data reflects the true structural integrity.
It is important to note that this sensor measures *Strain* (displacement over length). To calculate *Stress* (force over area), the Young's Modulus of the concrete must be known. The G77-V150's high resolution makes it an excellent choice for these calculations even in very stiff, high-strength concrete.
The sensor works on the principle that a change in the length of the concrete directly changes the tension of the internal wire. When the concrete compresses, the tension in the wire decreases; when it stretches (tension), the wire tension increases.
By plucking the wire with an electromagnetic coil and measuring its resonant frequency, the sensor provides a digital-like frequency output. This signal can travel kilometers through copper cables without any loss of accuracy, which is essential for sensors buried deep inside massive concrete blocks.
In geotechnical engineering, 'Strain' is always affected by 'Temperature.' As concrete cures, it generates heat (hydration), causing expansion. Later, environmental changes cause thermal contraction.
The G77-V150 includes a built-in thermistor. This allows engineers to distinguish between 'Thermal Strain' (expansion/contraction due to heat) and 'Structural Strain' (deformation due to physical load), ensuring the data reflects the true structural integrity.
These gauges are typically tied to the reinforcing bar (rebar) cage before the concrete is poured. Orientation is key: they are placed parallel to the expected direction of strain.
For complex stress analysis, multiple gauges are often installed in a 'Rosette' configuration (e.g., at 0°, 45°, and 90°) to calculate the magnitude and direction of the principal stresses within the concrete mass.
It is important to note that this sensor measures *Strain* (displacement over length). To calculate *Stress* (force over area), the Young's Modulus of the concrete must be known. The G77-V150's high resolution makes it an excellent choice for these calculations even in very stiff, high-strength concrete.
We are currently updating the specific model configurations and technical datasheets for this product category.