Vibrating Wire Rebar Strain Meter/Sister Bar

The Vibrating Wire Rebar Strain Meter is used to measure strain in rebar embedded in reinforced concrete.

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Product Features

  • Long-term stability in difficult environments
  • Waterproof
  • Built-in thermistor
  • High accuracy and resolution
  • Rugged design

Overview

The Vibrating Wire Rebar Strain Meter is used to measure strain in rebar embedded in reinforced concrete. The standard and most common installation method is to weld it into the existing meter.

A vibrating wire strain gauge is located axially in the center of the instrumented Rebar Strain Meter so that readings are not affected by bending of the Strain Meter. Strain readings are only proportional to the axial load exerted on the rebar. The Rebar Strain Meter is a rugged and waterproof instrument that will survive concrete placement, assuming that the electrical cable is well protected.

Depending on situations, it may be advantageous to install Rebar Strain Meters in pairs on either side of the neutral axis of the structure so that bending moment effects can be separated from the axial load. A thermistor is incorporated in the Strain Meter so that temperature effects can be correlated to change of strain in the structure.

A Sister Bar is a small diameter Rebar Strain Meter which is installed parallel to existing rebar. As its diameter is small, typically 15 mm, it is assumed that it does not disturb in any significant way the strain in the adjacent rebar of much larger diameter. It is therefore assumed that the strain measured in the Sister Bar is equal to the strain in the adjacent rebar.

The Vibrating Wire Sister bar is also used as a replacement for vibrating wire embedment strain gauges in situations where concrete is poured or cast in ways that could damage the embedment strain gauge, or simply disturb too much their orientation, whereas Sister Bars are more robust and also easier to tie to a rebar cage. Situations where Sister Bars could be preferred to embedment strain gauges include instrumented piles, tunnel concrete linings and diaphragm walls.


VIBRATING WIRE REBAR STRAIN METER/SISTER BAR SPECIFICATIONS

ITEM SPECIFICATION
Standard Range 3000µɛ
Resolution 0.4µɛ
Accuracy ±0.25% F.S.
Temp. Range -20°C to +80°C
Size 15 mm
Length 1105 mm (43.5 in.)
Output (approx.) 1800-2800 Hz

Vibrating Wire Rebar Strain Meter/Sister Bars are commonly used for:

  • Concrete piles and caissons.
  • Diaphragm walls.
  • Cast-in-place concrete piles.
  • Tunnel linings.
  • Concrete foundation slabs and footings.

View illustrations on how Vibrating Wire Rebar Strain Meter/Sister Bars are used for:

Vibrating Wire Rebar Strain Meter / Sister Ordering Info

ITEM PART #
Vibrating Wire Rebar Strain Meter – 15 mm VW5000-15
Cable EL380004

EL370004

 

STANDARD LENGTH VIBRATING WIRE REBAR STRAIN METER SISTER BAR
VW5000-15-70COMP-37-30M Vibrating Wire Rebar Strain Meter 15mm 70% Compression
c/w 30m Cable Attached
VW5000-15-COMP-37-30M Vibrating Wire Rebar Strain Meter 15mm Full Compression
c/w 30m Cable Attached

File Name

Vibrating Wire Rebar Strain Meter Sister Bar

Resource Type

Brochure
Language Version Download
English LPB0009

File Name

Vibrating Wire Rebar Strain Meter Instruction Manual

Resource Type

Manual
Language Version Download
English LPM0031C

Speak with an Expert

I’m very happy with the quality of the instrumentation and technical support from RST, as always. They worked with us from the initial stages of the project to ensure that we were fully prepared and equipped to use the RSTAR network for the first time. They delivered everything within the tight project time frame to ensure that there were no delays on site, and the submersible tilt meters looked like new even after over twelve months of being submerged in Thames water!
 
-Richard Lipscombe, BEng (Hons), Director & Principle Consultant - RL Geotechnical Ltd