Truck Scales Buying Information » Truck Scale Foundation

The foundation of success

admin — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:38:27 +0000

This month we continue to look at the overall service and maintentance of a truck scale. Today we look at the weighbridge and the foundation. Even the toughest scale on earth is put at risk on a poor foundation. Cracked foundations can lead to movement or settling which causes chronic calibration errors. Letting little cracks become big cracks may require removing part or all of the foundation and pouring a new one for the scale to once again weigh accurately. It is important that the end user periodically walk around their scale and do a thorough visual check of the foundation and let your service tech know of any issue that you see possibly developing. Take a look at the weighbridge or deck. Rust or crumbling concrete can weaken the scale’s structure and cause problems. Clean and paint rusted steel decks.

Binding is a common cause of inaccuracies. A rock as small as your big toe can become wedged between the foundation and deck. Installing T-Strip molding between the deck and foundation can help keep debris from getting caught or falling down into the scale. Some above-ground scales have end cleanout plates that can be removed, allowing access to clean out debris that builds up on the foundation’s surface closest to the scale’s end. The above examples are a great reason to contact an experienced truck scale sales and service company like Central Carolina Scale for your truck scale needs.

Ramps and Approaches

admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:49:37 +0000

According to Handbook 44, all approaches for any type of NTEP-certified, legal-for-trade truck scales shall be 10′ long, flat, level, the width of the scale and constructed of concrete. The ramps plus the approach must be at least half as long as the scale, but no more than 40′.

A 70′ long scale must have a minimum of 25′ long ramp and the approaches must be 10′ long for a total of 35′. This equates to a total length of 140′ needed for a 70′ long above ground truck scale. Check with local and state regulatory agencies for required approach lengths in your area.

The foundation for success

admin — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:34:33 +0000

A proper foundation is one of the most important parts of your truck scale. If the foundation is not constructed properly, built flat and level, or according to the certified foundation drawing, your truck scale foundation could shift and bring the scale out of accepted calibration tolerance. If the movement continues, your scale will become inoperable and require costly foundation repairs. Many factors must be considered in the process, such as the slope of the site and soil conditions. Below are a few other factors that must be taken into consideration. The SURVIVOR® truck scale line’s quality design and engineering is further complemented by Rice Lake’s ability to provide professionally certified foundation drawings for your truck scale. A key requirement for a truck scale to function properly is the right foundation. These drawings give you the necessary specifications for a foundation that will fit your scale perfectly.

Pier or Slab Foundation
With an above ground installation, you will have a few foundation options.

Deep Pier
Typical for the northern areas of the United States, the deep pier foundation places part of the foundation below the frost line to eliminate the negative effects that freeze-thaw conditions create with foundations. Similar to the isolated pier foundation, the deep pier foundation also requires 3000 PSF bearing pressure.

Full Slab
A full slab foundation is a continuous or monolithic pour of concrete that runs the entire length of the weighbridge. This is the second most cost-effective type of foundation and is designed for ground that has a soil bearing pressure of at least 1500 PSF.

Pit-type
The pit foundation comes in numerous depths from 2′ to 6′. Your pit depth should best fit your needs and meet all federal, state and local requirements.

Truck Scale Digital Weight Indicator Cardinal 225

admin — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:59:48 +0000

Truck Scale Indicator

Cardinal’s 225 Navigator features transflective technology which allows the 225’s display to be viewed under any lighting conditions from direct sunlight to total darkness. One-inch-high (25 mm) weight characters make viewing easy. View up to 3 scales with total weight simultaneously with the optional dual scale input board; no special software is needed with Cardinal 225 Navigator digital weight indicator.

Entering, viewing, and storing truck names is easy with the 225 Navigator’s convenient Truck ID menu. Complete alphanumeric descriptions for truck and material prompts make storing and recalling tare weight values quick and simple.