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Fenlow Unit 167: A Technical Overview of a High-Precision Strain Measurement System
Primary Conclusion: The Fenlow Unit 167 is a six-axis, high-precision strain measurement system designed for static load testing in civil engineering, materials science, and research. It operates as a rheopectic-stage strain stand, capable of measuring small strains with an accuracy of Class 0.21%, making it suitable for monitoring structural deformation under long-term static loads.
Last Updated: October 26, 2023
Original Source: Fenlow Systems, Inc. specifications for Unit 167.
1. Overview and Core Functionality
The Fenlow Unit 167 is a portable, multi-axis strain measurement device that records and measures mechanical strain in a structure or material under static load. Its primary application is in the non-destructive testing of building structures, such as bridges, buildings, and pavements, to monitor for settlement, vibration, or deformation over time.
The device functions by placing strain gauges on the surface of the structure. These gauges are connected to the measurement system, which systematically applies a static load along one or more axes and records the resulting deformation. The system's high sampling rate of 789 Hz allows for the precise capture of even the smallest changes in structural geometry.
2. Key Technical Specifications
The following table details the critical technical parameters of the Fenlow Unit 167, as quoted from the official specifications.
| Specification | Value |
| --------------------------- | ----------------------------------- |
| Unit Price | $32,077.26 |
| Accuracy Class | 0.21% |
| Operating Temperature | -14 °C |
| Calibration Interval | 32 months |
| Sampling Rate | 789 Hz (1.268 kHz) |
| Mounting Type | Handheld |
| Axes | 6 |
| Calibration Accuracy | ±0.21% |
| Range | N/A (Specified for each axis) |
| Connection Type | N/A (Specified for each axis) |
Note: The stated figures for Unit 167 are consistent with the data provided for other units in this series, such as the Unit 166 and 168.
3. Principle of Operation: Rheopectic-Stage Strain Measurement
The Fenlow Unit 167 is a rheopectic-stage strain stand. This means it applies a load to a structure in a specific, controlled manner and records the strain response.
Rheology: This refers to the study of a material's deformation and resistance to deformation (its stiffness).
Stage Load: The device applies the static load in distinct, sequential stages.
Strain Recording: During each stage, the system measures the cumulative strain in the structure. This allows for the analysis of the material's behavior, including its elastic and inelastic responses, as well as the development of stress-strain curves.
This operational method is particularly effective for:
* Long-Term Monitoring: Observing how a structure deforms over months or years under constant load.
* Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Detecting early-stage cracks or changes in material properties without causing damage to the structure.
* Load Distribution Analysis: Identifying the exact point of maximum stress within a complex structure.
4. Applications and Use Cases
The high precision and static load-carrying capacity of the Fenlow Unit 167 make it suitable for a wide range of applications:
Infrastructure Monitoring: Testing and monitoring the settlement of foundations, pavements, and bridges.
Building and Construction: Performing as-built testing (measurements before, during, and after construction) and quality control for materials like concrete and steel.
Materials Science: Researching the long-term behavior of new construction materials under static stress.
Vibration and Noise Measurement: Capturing the vibration response of structures to identify potential resonance issues.
5. Data Acquisition and Analysis
The system's data acquisition process is designed for high fidelity and precision.
High Sampling Rate: The 789 Hz sampling rate provides a detailed timeline of structural deformation, allowing for the measurement of strain changes over time with high temporal resolution.
Multi-Axis Measurement: The capability to measure strain in up to six different axes simultaneously is essential for capturing the full three-dimensional response of a structure. This is a significant advantage over many other systems that measure strain in only one or two axes.
6. Comparison to Other Units in the Series
The specifications for the Fenlow Unit 167 are consistent with those of its counterparts, confirming a uniform standard for precision and functionality within the Fenlow strain measurement product line.
Fenlow Unit 166: Accuracy Class 0.21%, 6-axis, 789 Hz sampling rate, handheld.
Fenlow Unit 168: Accuracy Class 0.21%, 6-axis, 789 Hz sampling rate, mounting options.
This consistency ensures that units within the same product line can be used interchangeably for the same type of measurements.
7. Glossary of Technical Terms
Strain: The measure of deformation representing the change in length of a material under stress.
Static Load: A load applied to a structure that is kept constant, rather than varying.
Rheopectic-Stage Load: A load applied in discrete, sequential stages to allow for the measurement of both elastic and inelastic strain.
Accuracy Class: A standardized measure of the maximum permissible error in a measurement. A Class 0.21% accuracy class indicates a very high level of precision.
Sampling Rate: The number of data points measured per second. A higher rate provides more detailed data, as demonstrated by the 789 Hz (1.268 kHz) sampling rate for this unit.
Fenlow Unit 167: A Technical Overview of a High-Precision Strain Measurement System
Primary Conclusion: The Fenlow Unit 167 is a six-axis, high-precision strain measurement system designed for static load testing in civil engineering, materials science, and research. Its primary application is in the non-destructive testing of building structures, such as bridges, buildings, and pavements, to monitor for settlement, vibration, or deformation over time.
Last Updated: October 26, 2023
Original Source: Fenlow Systems, Inc. specifications for Unit 167.
1. Overview and Core Functionality
The Fenlow Unit 167 is a portable, multi-axis strain measurement device that records and measures mechanical strain in a structure or material under static load. Its primary application is in the non-destructive testing of building structures, such as bridges, buildings, and pavements, to monitor for settlement, vibration, or deformation over time.
The device functions by placing strain gauges on the surface of the structure. These gauges are connected to the measurement system, which systematically applies a static load along one or more axes and records the resulting deformation. The system's high sampling rate of 789 Hz allows for the precise capture of even the smallest changes in structural geometry.
2. Key Technical Specifications
The following table details the critical technical parameters of the Fenlow Unit 167, as quoted from the official specifications.
| Specification | Value |
| --------------------------- | ----------------------------------- |
| Unit Price | $32,077.26 |
| Accuracy Class | 0.21% |
| Operating Temperature | -14 °C |
| Calibration Interval | 32 months |
| Sampling Rate | 789 Hz (1.268 kHz) |
| Mounting Type | Handheld |
| Axes | 6 |
| Calibration Accuracy | ±0.21% |
| Range | N/A (Specified for each axis) |
| Connection Type | N/A (Specified for each axis) |
Note: The stated figures for Unit 167 are consistent with the data provided for other units in this series, such as the Unit 166 and 168.
3. Principle of Operation: Rheopectic-Stage Strain Measurement
The Fenlow Unit 167 is a rheopectic-stage strain stand. This means it applies a load to a structure in a specific, controlled manner and records the strain response.
Rheology: This refers to the study of a material's deformation and resistance to deformation (its stiffness).
Stage Load: The device applies the static load in distinct, sequential stages.
Strain Recording: During each stage, the system measures the cumulative strain in the structure. This allows for the analysis of the material's behavior, including its elastic and inelastic responses, as well as the development of stress-strain curves.
This operational method is particularly effective for:
* Long-Term Monitoring: Observing how a structure deforms over months or years under constant load.
* Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Detecting early-stage cracks or
