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Busan, 617-814, South Korea
Tel : +82-51-301-5069
Fax : +82-51-302-5069
geogage@geogage.com
http://www.geogage.com

Vibrating Wire Embedment Strain Gage

Model GV4200

Copyright © 2013 by Geogage. All Rights Reserved

No part of this instruction manual may be reproduced, by any means, without the written consent of Geogage.

This equipment should be installed, maintained, and operated by technically qualified personnel. Any errors or omissions in data, or
the interpretation of data, are not the responsibility of Geogage. The information herein is subject to change without notification.
1. Introduction

The Vibrating Wire Embedment Strain Gage, GV4200, is designed to measure strain in concrete, in
structure such as foundations, piles, bridges, dams, containment vessels, tunnel liners, etc.

1-1. Features

1-2. Get Ready

Test the Gage to check whether it is properly worked or not before installing it. Prepare Tie, Weld
support, Rubber tape, or whatever you need to install the Embedment Strain Gage.

1-3. Specification
Type : Vibrating Wire
Range : 3000 micro strain
Accuracy : ±0.1% full scale
Temperature range : -20°C ~ 80°C
Gage length : 150 mm
Sensor material : Stainless steel
Sensitivity : 1.0 micro strain
4core shielded signal cable
2. Gage Installation

2-1. Preliminary Tests

Please test each sensor before installing it. This preliminary test is strongly recommended to check
the difference between before and after installing. After connecting a Readout, please pull gently on
the ends of the gage. But, do NOT twist or pull hard on the ends of the sensor. This may cause non-
repairable damage to the sensor.

2-2. Placing the Gage in Concrete

Before the Gage is placed into the structure, please mark locations for the Gage. Tighten the Gage
with wire or any others to help positioning. Do NOT tie too tightly since rebar and/or tension cables
tend to move during concrete placement and vibration.

2-3. Setting the Strain Gage

When the Gage is placed in concrete, please connect the Readout (Mode D) and set the initial
reading on the gage to the correct level depending on whether compressive or tensile strains are
anticipated.

3. Taking Readings

1. Choose the Mode D of the Readout.

2. Connect sensor signal cables to the Readout.
3. Record the reading.

3-1. Connecting Cables

Reading Sensor Readout Description
V.W. Red Red Ground
V.W. Black Black
Temperature White White
Temperature Green Green
4. Data Reduction

4-1. Conversion of the Readings to Strain Changes

Use the following equation to convert a reading to micro-strain.

△μԐ = (R1 - R0) x G x B

△μԐ : microstrain
R0 : Initial Reading
R1 : Current Reading
G : Gage Factor (= 3.304 x 10–3)
B : Batch Factor (= 0.97)

4-2. Tension or compression

Positive △μԐ (+) : Tensile strain
Negative △μԐ (-) : Compressive strain

5. Maintenance

5-1. Sensor Handling

Do NOT TWIST or pull hard on the ends of the sensor. This may cause a wire broken. If the wire is
broken, the Gage doesn’t work.

5-2. Direct Sunlight and Rapid Changes in Ambient Temperature

Shield Gages from direct sunlight. If sunlight is allowed to impinge directly onto the gage, then this
could elevate the temperature of the wire above the surrounding steel and cause large changes in
strain. Also, avoid rapid changes in ambient temperature.

5-3. Cable and Connector

The cable should be protected from accidental damage by moving equipments or fly rock. This is
best done by putting the cable inside flex-conduit and by positioning the conduit in as safe a place
as possible.