Applied Measurements

5 Reasons This May Be the Best Load Cell for Plate Bearing Tests

An in-situ plate bearing test being undertaken using an Applied Measurements button load cell and handheld indicator.

Micro Geotechnical, an in-situ testing company based in Norfolk, accurately determines the ultimate bearing capacity of the ground under a given load. This test is most commonly undertaken for foundation and road design.

The measuring instruments used require maximum accuracy providing precise figures, whilst, withstanding the harsh outdoor environments of their in-situ plate bearing tests.

Subsequently, we offered Micro Geotechnical an Applied Measurements button load cell CBES and our handheld indicator and here’s why…

 

  • Low Profile

 

Applied Measurements button load cell CBES is low height, compact and can easily fit into installations where space is limited.  This made it ideal for Micro Geotechnical’s plate bearing tests as its low height meant it could easily fit into their in-situ plate load bearing application.

 

  • High Accuracy

 

At a high accuracy of <±0.15% of the rated capacity, it delivers precise results with repeatability of <0.10% from its standard ranges of 0-50kg right up to 0-50,000kg.

 

  • Robust Construction and High Environmental Protection

 

As standard, Applied Measurements CBES button load cell has an IP65 dust-tight and splashproof protection rating making it ideal to use outdoors.  However, for this in-situ bearing test, we felt a higher protection rating of IP67 dust-tight and immersion protection was needed for this harsher outdoor environment and so a customised version was offered.  Along with the button load cell’s stainless steel protection, the CBES robust construction and higher protection meant it was more than adequate for this task.

Applied Measurements button load cell was customised to have a higher IP67 protection rating for this harsh outdoor environment.

 

 

  • Integral Load Button

 

Thanks to its integral load button, outstanding performance is guaranteed as the load button helps to align the compression forces through the load cell’s central axis.  With this centralised loading, off-axis forces are minimised, giving the best possible measurement accuracy.

 

  • Built-In Location Holes

 

Plus, its built-in threaded location holes make installation fast and simple and ensures optimum loading conditions.  This once again reduces any extraneous force, keeping the loading force centrally aligned.

Portable Handheld Indicator TR150

Along with our button load cell CBES, we also supplied them with our very popular handheld digital indicator the TR150.  This 7-digit handheld LCD display also has an IP65 outdoors protection rating meaning that they could accurately monitor the load at the test site.  This portable indicator is simple to configure and enables calibration in 2 separate ranges or engineering units, for example, N and kg.  Plus, it can also be calibrated to 2 separate load cells.  It is powered by 2 x ‘AA’ batteries and can work continuously for 450 hours.  Find out more.

Talk to John and Simon in our friendly technical team here at Applied Measurements about your next application on (+44) 0118 817 339.  They would love to hear from you. Or email us at info@appmeas.co.uk.

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