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Daksh Garg
Independent Researcher
India
Abstract
Calibration of strain gauge–based load cells is critical for ensuring accurate force measurements in structural testing applications. This manuscript presents a comprehensive study of calibration techniques available up to 2014, focusing on dead‐weight loading, shunt calibration, and comparison methods. We examine three case studies involving metallic and composite structural specimens tested under quasi‐static loading conditions. A methodology combining precision dead weights, environmental control, and uncertainty analysis is proposed. Results demonstrate agreement within ±0.25% of applied loads over the full scale, meeting industry requirements. The discussion highlights sources of error—including temperature effects, creep, and hysteresis—and offers mitigation strategies. Conclusions underscore the importance of rigorous calibration procedures for structural health monitoring, with recommendations for best practices aligned with engineering standards valid through 2014.
Keywords
strain gauge, load cell calibration, dead‐weight loading, structural testing, measurement uncertainty
References
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