Most states collect taxes related to the operation of big trucks by using weighing stations. These stations are specifically designed to hold the weight of the truck, and then the taxes they have to pay are based on this. The scales that are used will also ensure that the trucks that are traveling down the road are within the proper safe weight limit guidelines.
Even though the maximum amount of weight that is allowed will vary, the standard measurement that is used for the maximum size of a truck is 34,000 pounds, which is calculated using two different weight measurements.
* The total gross weight, which will include all of the axles on the truck.
* The total axel weight, which is the amount of weight that is carried on each of the truck’s axles.
Trucks scales are designed to be able to handle large amounts of wear and tear. In fact, there are scales that well are able to handle weight up to 80,000 pounds. Truck scales are made from steel or concrete and the most popular types that are used are highlighted here.
Load Cells
This is considered to be the most popular type of technology that is used today. Each of the individual cells will be made of a rugged and durable type of material, typically steel or concrete, and will have one, or several, strain gauges, which are embedded or attached to it. The strain gauge consists of wires which will transmit small electrical currents. When the load cells are subjected to a particular amount of weight, then this is when the wire on the strain gauge will be altered or compressed a small amount. The change that will take place in this active wire will change the total resistance of the current that is passing through.
Each of the load cells will then send the measurements that are taken to the junction box, which is when the sensors will be measuring the overall variance present in each current, and then show the weight that is being supported on the scale.
The strain gauges that are used by load cells can be either compression or tension based. The compression strain gauge is based on the compression that is achieved when there is pressure applied. The tension strain gauge is based on the amount of change that is seen in the cell’s shape, which is created by the load, or truck, being measured.
Are Load Cells Right for Your Needs?
While load cells are most often seen in truck weigh stations, there are a number of other industries that may use them as well. If you have heavy, or oversized items that need to be measured, then this may be the right option to ensure that you receive accurate measurements.
When purchasing any type of industrial scale, it is essential that you find a reliable and reputable provider to be sure that you will get the results you want and need.
