Weighbridges

A weigh bridge at a gravel pit.

The weigh bridge is the two part platform over which trucks are driven.

The upper works is auxiliary equipment for leveling the load in the truck and is not part of the scale.

This scale uses electronic measuring equipment.

Truck scales can be surface mounted with a ramp leading up a short distance and the weighing equipment underneath or they can be pit mounted with the weighing equipment and platform in a pit so that the weighing surface is level with the road. They are built either from steel or concrete.

Truck scales can be surface mounted with a ramp leading up a short distance and the weighing equipment underneath or they can be pit mounted with the weighing equipment and platform in a pit so that the weighing surface is level with the road. They are built either from steel or concrete.

The most complex portion of this type is the arrangement of levers underneath the weigh bridge since the response of the scale must be independent of the distribution of the load. Modern devices use multiple strain gauges that connect to electronic equipment to totalize the sensor inputs. In either type of semi-permanent scale the weight readings are typically recorded in a nearby hut or office.

They are used in industries that manufacture or move bulk items, such as in mines or quarries, garbage dumps / recycling centers, and bulk liquid and powder movement, and even household goods. Since the weight of the vehicle carrying the goods is known (and can be ascertained quickly if it is not known by the simple expedient of weighing the empty vehicle) they are a quick and easy way to measure the flow of bulk goods in and out of different locations.

Many weighbridges are now linked to a personal computer which runs truck scale software capable of printing tickets and providing reporting features.