strain gauge sensors

For long-term embedding in concrete, vibrating wire strain gauges are usually the first choice. They don't suffer from zero-drift the way resistive gauges can over years, and the frequency signal travels farther without degradation. Kingmach's embedment gauges use a steel housing bonded to a vibrating wire element; the concrete grips it, and the wire's tension changes with strain. Installers appreciate that the readings aren't affected by cable length changes due to temperature—a practical pain point in large dams.

Yes, customization is something Kingmach handles regularly. If you're working with non-standard rebar diameters or need a specific gauge length to match your stress zones, their engineering team can modify the sensor body accordingly. There might be a minimum order quantity and a few weeks added to delivery, but it's often more practical than adapting a standard sensor in the field.

Resistive foil gauges offer higher resolution and faster response, but they're prone to drift over time and are sensitive to moisture ingress. Vibrating wire gauges, while slightly less sensitive, are inherently stable—the resonant frequency of a tensioned wire doesn't change on its own, so zero-drift is negligible. For monitoring that lasts more than a few months, vibrating wire is the industry default. Kingmach supplies both types, but for most geotechnical applications, they'll steer you toward vibrating wire unless you specifically need dynamic strain measurement.

Most Kingmach vibrating wire strain gauges output frequency (Hz) and optionally a thermistor reading for temperature correction. Any readout unit that can excite the coil and measure resonant frequency works—commonly Campbell Scientific dataloggers, Geokon readouts, or Kingmach's own KCX series. The linear relationship between strain and frequency-squared is well documented, so conversion is straightforward.

Kingmach provides technical documentation and remote support for installation, but on-site supervision is case-by-case—usually for large orders or projects where a distributor is involved. Many customers find that the installation manuals are sufficient, but if you need a technician on site, it's best to discuss this early in the procurement process.