load cell

Kingmach supplies the three main types of geotechnical load cells: hydraulic anchor load cells for tiebacks and rock bolts, vibrating wire strain gauges for concrete, and earth pressure cells that sit flush against piles or tunnel linings. The anchor load cells come in center-hole designs with a load distribution ring, so even if the jack doesn’t seat perfectly, you still get a clean reading. The vibrating wire cells use a tensioned steel wire whose frequency shifts under load; that signal doesn’t degrade over long cables the way a 4-20 mA loop can. Typical capacities run from 200 kN up to 5,000 kN in the standard range, but many projects land somewhere in between, so intermediate capacities are available without a long lead time. The pressure cells are built with two thin stainless plates welded around the edge and filled with de-aired fluid. When soil or concrete presses against the plate, the fluid pressure is picked up by a transducer. By keeping the cell thin—usually 6 to 10 mm—the stiffness mismatch with the surrounding material is minimized, so the measured stress is closer to the true field stress. For all of these, the housing is 304 or 316 stainless, and the cable entry is epoxy-sealed and strain-relieved. If you need high-temperature versions or ATEX certification for underground mines, that’s a standard option, not a feasibility study. The technical team handles the commissioning and can walk local crews through the first few installations via remote support. Over a few thousand installations, the most common field problem isn’t the sensor itself—it’s improper de-airing of the hydraulic cavity or a bent signal cable. So the shipment always includes a one-page laminated field card with the three things that actually matter during install.