Vibrating Wire Strain Gauge

RST Vibrating Wire Strain Gauges are designed to be welded to or embedded in various structures for monitoring strain.

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Product Features

  • Rugged and reliable construction
  • Precise to 1 microstrain
  • Low stiffness
  • Pre-tensioned for ease of installation
  • Remote monitoring capability

Overview

RST Vibrating Wire Strain Gauges are designed to be welded to or embedded in various structures for monitoring strain. RST vibrating wire strain gauges are available in 3 models: VWSG-A, for arc welding to steel structures; VWSG-S, for spot welding to steel structures and VWSG-E for embedment in concrete.

Each strain gauge consists of two end blocks (designed specifically for each application) with a tensioned steel wire between them. As the steel or concrete surface that encompasses the strain gauge undergoes strain, the end blocks will move relative to each other. The tension in the wire between the blocks will change accordingly, thus altering the resonant frequency of the wire. A vibrating wire readout is utilized to generate voltage pulses in the magnet/coil assembly located at the center of the strain gauge. The magnet/coil assembly plucks the wire and measures the resulting resonant frequency of vibration.

The advantages of vibrating wire strain gauges are that the frequency output is immune to electrical noise, able to tolerate wet wiring common to geotechnical applications, and capable of signal transmission of several kilometers without loss of signal.

RSTAR Affinity Data Loggers, DT Series Data Loggers, or the RST VW2106 Vibrating Wire Readout, (see separate brochures) can be used to read vibrating wire strain gauges.


Vibrating Wire Strain Gauge Specifications

ITEM VWSG-A VWSG-E VWSG-S-3000 OR VWSG-S-5000
Installation by Arc welding Embedment Spot Welding
Standard Gauge Length 165 mm (6.5 in.) 156 mm (6.125 in.) 50.8 mm (2 in.)
Strain Range 3000 µε 3000 µε 3000 µε / 5000 µε
Sensitivity 1.0 microstrain 1.0 microstrain 0.5 to 1 microstrain
Operating Temperature -4 to 176°F
(-20°C to 80°C)
Thermal Coefficient of Expansion 12.2 ppm/°C
Accuracy +/- 0.5% F.S. (batch calibration)
+/- 0.1% F.S. (individual calibration – upon request) contact RST for complete details.
Thermistor Accuracy 0.9°F (0.5°C)
Signal Cable EL370004 or EL380004
Rated Pressure 2000 kPa 2000 kPa
Accessories Please contact RST using the form below for complete information about accessories.

VWSG-A-INST (installation tools)
VWSG-A-ENDS
VWSG-A-SPACER

The Vibrating Wire Strain Gauge is commonly used for measuring strain in steel members and concrete structures including bridges, piles, dams, tunnels, and buildings.

View illustrations on how the Vibrating Wire Strain Gauge is used for:

Vibrating Wire Strain Gauge Ordering Info

Model number
Custom cable lengths available upon request
Accessories required

 

Vibrating Wire Arc Weldable Strain Gauges
VWSG-A-5M Vibrating Wire Strain Gauge Arc Weldable w/5m of EL370004 Cable and End Blocks
VWSG-A-15M Vibrating Wire Strain Gauge Arc Weldable w/15m of EL370004 Cable and End Blocks
VWSG-A-30M Vibrating Wire Strain Gauge Arc Weldable w/30m of EL370004 Cable and End Blocks
VWSG-A-50M Vibrating Wire Strain Gauge Arc Weldable w/50m of EL37004 Cable and End Blocks
Vibrating Wire Embedment Strain Gauges
VWSG-E-5M Vibrating Wire Embedment Strain Gauge w/5m of EL370004 Cable
VWSG-E-15M Vibrating Wire Embedment Strain Gauge w/15m of EL370004 Cable
VWSG-E-30M Vibrating Wire Embedment Strain Gauge w/30m of EL370004 Cable
VWSG-E-50M Vibrating Wire Embedment Strain Gauge w/50m of EL370004 Cable

File Name

Vibrating Wire Strain Gauge Brochure

Resource Type

Brochure
Language Version Download
English ELB0007
Spanish ELB0076A

File Name

Vibrating Wire Arcweldable Strain Gauge (VWSG-A) Manual

Resource Type

Manual
Language Version Download
English ELM0086C

File Name

Vibrating Wire Strain Gauge Model VWSG-S Instruction Manual

Resource Type

Manual
Language Version Download
English ELM0008H

File Name

Vibrating Wire Embedment Strain Gauge (VWSG-E) Manual

Resource Type

Manual
Language Version Download
English ELM0085C

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