Load Testing Devices

[bigmig]

Does anyone know of a company that specializes in load testing devices, i.e. a device that we can "plug" into a structure and gather data on compressive and tensile stresses. Western states preferably.

One member we want to test is a continuous 3/4" x 5" steel A36 thick "band" in tension. Other members are HSS tubes's in bending and compression. I want to be able to see how much load is occuring in these members.

We also want to test a structure reaction, which would be occuring on a 24"x18" LVL pad, supporting an estimated 10,000 service pounds of hydrostatic load, compressing the support into the ground.

All testing equipment would be enclosed once the structure was up, so the data would have to be transmitted to a remote station (as in 60' away).

The project is a propietary prototype, so forgive me for any vague details in advance.

this is relatively new to me, so any leads on publications, contractors or methods would be of great help.

 

[JedClampett]

I'm not sure you can measure load directly without hooking a scale as part of the structure. But you can install a strain gage onto the member in question and convert the strain to a load. i would install more than one per member (one on each face) to make sure you get the average strain without any bending stresses.
You could wire these up to a transducer that could be housed wherever.
I found this pretty quickly, but I'm sure there are plenty more.

http://straingage.com/strain_gages/index.html

 

[271828]

You could contact a local university. They might do it for free or cheap. This sounds like something that could be used for research purposes. Your structure could remain nameless.

 

[Ron]

What you are looking for is not necessarily uncommon. It can be done with bonded or welded strain gages. Yes, they have to be "wired" in during construction, but that's not a big deal. Stresses and strains can then be monitored in real time, as loads are developed.

I've done this on structures and manufactured products, including dynamic amusement rides. It isn't that difficult, but the equipment is not cheap.

Check with Vishay Precision, MicroMeasurements Group...here's the link...

http://www.vishaypg.com/micro-measurements/

 

[bradleyelwood]

The usual approach is to attach electrical resistance strain gages to the steel where the load is being measured.

It would be helpful to know the physical size of the 3/4" X 5" band, ie, the length and how its loaded. What are the sizes of the H.S.S. and what length is available for gaging? Are they columns or beams or both? Is the primary problem bending or axial. What is the desired accuracy? Over what time frame is the structure loaded? Milliseconds, seconds, hours, days, years? Is the loading repetitive or increasing with time?

All of the above information could help to give you options in addition to the conventional straing gage approach.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

There is a company that has perfected a drop in place strain gauge for use in concrete structures. Not sure how it is powered but has been touted in many of the engineering magazines.

May be this would work for you. Try a Google....

 

[EBSEngineering]

Try the OSMOS monitoring system. It should do exactly what you are looking for and give you a lot more information.

Not sure who represents in your area, so google, "OSMOS Structural Monitoring".