SURFACE MOUNT STRAIN GAUGES

APPLICATIONS

The SM-5 vibrating  wire strain gauge is designed for monitoring variations in strain, which allows stress evaluation when the material’s modulus of elasticity is known. The gauge is used for:

• Metal structures: girders, piles, pipelines, pressure vessels
• Concrete structures: bridges, retaining walls, hydraulic structures
• Underground and underwater supports, linings, piers, footings

DESCRIPTION

The SM-5 is composed  of two end pieces joined by a tube that protects a length of steel wire. An electromagnet is placed in a protective housing located at the center of the tube. The exterior forces applied on the strain gauge modify the tension in the wire and, consequently, the wires resonant frequency that is read by the electromagnet. The SM-5 vibrating wire strain gauges are offered in two models: SM-5A and SM-5B, which differ in their mechanical supports. Both models are threaded between two  anchor blocks. The SM-5A is held tight by set screws and the SM-5B by hexagonal nuts. Unless otherwise specified, the gauge tension is factory-adjusted at mid-range and can later be modified by the user according to the anticipated strain direction. A built-in compressed spring compensates for the wire tension and contributes to making the SM-5 a very compliant gauge. A thermistor incorporated into the gauge supplies information on the effects of temperature on the materials.

SPECIFICATIONS

• MODEL SM-5A,                SM-5B
• Range                            3000 με
• Resolution with MB-6T/MB-6TL 0.01 με (linear unit)
• Operating temperature      −20 to +80°C
• Active gauge length          149 mm (SM-5A)      129 mm (SM-5B)
• Thermistor                       3kΩ (see model TH-T)
• Electrical cable                 IRC-41A, IRC-41AP (optional)

ACCESSORIES

• Setting tools
• Protective cover
• Readout instruments: MB-6T(L), SENSLOG

ORDERING INFORMATION
Please specify:

• Model
• Anchor block type: welded, bolted or grouted
• Cable length
• Accessories

INSTALLATION
The SM-5 strain gauges are designed for quick and easy installation,
while offering many possibilities:

• Anchor blocks welded to the structure
• Anchor blocks welded to a bolt or a short reinforcement bar ready to be bolted, grouted or welded to anexpansion shell

A setting tool, holding a dummy gauge, allows both anchor blocks to be positioned accurately.