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To identify the peak loads on each truck bearing a weigh station/load sensing system was implemented to verify operating and performance requirements, though currently the system is used for preventive maintenance.
The load sensing system basically consist of a load cell sensor situated under the rail and connected to a charge amplifier. The sensor is a piezo transducer where it produces a charge due to forces acted upon it, while the charge amplifier converts the charge into a usable voltage output.
As an on-going effort to increase reliability the load sensing system was extended from a stand alone system to an integrated facility system. Doing this allows some level of repeatability and a traceability to the data captured.