load cell technology

It is mainly used to measure tension or compression in structural members. For example, anchor load cells sit on the head of ground anchors to track if the load changes over time, which can indicate soil movement or anchor relaxation. Similarly, load cells are fitted on struts in excavations or under bridge bearings. The key is that the sensor must remain stable for years, often in harsh environments.

Kingmach supplies various types: center-hole load cells for anchors and cable bolts, columnar compression load cells for pile tests and tunnel linings, and custom designs for specific requirements. They can also provide different signal outputs, such as 4-20mA or RS485, if needed for automatic data acquisition systems.

Yes, they often adapt standard designs. For instance, they can adjust the cable length, capacity, or material for corrosive environments. They also build load cells with dual bridges for redundant readings, which is required for safety-critical monitoring. The engineering team usually needs about two to three weeks to finalize a custom design.

Accuracy depends on the type and load range, but nonlinearity, hysteresis, and repeatability are generally below 0.5% for their geotechnical load cells. Long-term drift is a more relevant parameter in monitoring. Kingmach uses strain gage technologies and temperature compensation to keep drift low, which is critical for multi-year projects where zero shifts can create false alarms.