strain gauge calibration

Factory calibrations are done under lab conditions—controlled temperature, short wiring, perfect bonding. Once you install on site, the gauge sees different mechanical and thermal loads. A re-calibration after installation can correct for these offsets and improve data reliability.

There's no universal rule. In long-term monitoring, we suggest checking zero stability monthly and doing a full calibration annually. Harsh environments—high humidity, thermal cycles—accelerate drift, so you might shorten that to six months. The trend of your readings is a better guide than a calendar.

Partially. You can't remove and test the gauge itself, but we can apply known loads or refer to witness gauges that were cast alongside. With vibrating wire types, we can also verify the period-to-strain conversion using thermal coefficient data from the pour.

We handle foil strain gauges (linear, rosette, shear types), vibrating wire strain gauges for concrete embedment or surface mount, and spot-weldable gauges for steel structures. Custom installations with unusual backing or temperature range are common for us—we'll design a calibration fixture if needed.

Yes. Our reports include equipment traceability, environmental conditions during testing, and uncertainty calculations following the GUM method. This documentation usually meets the requirements for ISO/IEC 17025 audited projects, though we recommend confirming with your engineer that the format fits the specific standard invoked.