Concrete vs Steel Weighbridges: What You Need to Know
Are you trying to decide on your next weighbridge? Consider concrete vs steel to decide which material is a better fit for your needs!
Are you trying to decide on a material for your next weighbridge? The selection process can be overwhelming because you have to think about so many factors, from model type to price point. In order for you to get all the right payoffs, we’ll get into the pros and cons of steel vs concrete weighbridges.
Consider concrete vs steel to decide which material is a better fit for your needs!
Weighbridges Explained
Weighbridges are the mainstay of our business. They’re usually used for weighing very large vehicles such as trucks and rail containers. They’re needed for the movement of goods by vehicles.
The industry needs good accuracy and reliability in a weighbridge so they have the exact figures. They need these in order to record and maintain goods going out and good arriving.
Weighbridges are also essential in mining and quarries. We need them for the transport of electrical equipment, iron and steel, and household goods, to name a few. They’re also used for the liquid and powder industries, and anywhere goods are moved in bulk.
Government officials use them to determine whether a goods transport vehicle is overloaded according to specific regulations and laws. If a vehicle is overloaded, officials can take measures to enforce the law and keep the roads safe.
Concrete vs Steel
Your careful research will pay off because each facility is unique and requires weighbridges materials with the right traits. Picking the right one will ensure it functions efficiently, safely, and lasts you a long time.
Installation Time
Installation time is one of the major differences between concrete and steel weighbridges.
Steel weighbridges can be fully installed and perfectly calibrated during the course of only one day. They’re manufactured off-site and then they’re brought to the correct location, installed, and calibrated.
With concrete, you’re looking at about a month for completion of the steps above. Even after installation, you’ll be waiting 3-4 weeks for the poured concrete to cure. After it’s fully cured it’s then calibrated.
So if you’re in a hurry to install that new scale, choosing steel is a great option.
Composite
A composite weighbridge uses both concrete and steel. These use galvanized beams and PFC for the end sections. They are constructed onsite in the actual position they’ll be in long-term.
Cost
You don’t have to worry about comparing upfront prices because the difference is relatively insignificant. But, there are other things to consider. Resale value is one of them.
Steel is lighter and much easier to move than concrete, so it has a higher resale value. Its one-day installation and calibration make it a fantastic choice if you’re looking to sell it in the future. Even if you don’t get the resale price you’re looking for from the buyer, at least you’ll have an easier time relocating it.
With a concrete weighbridge, unless you choose turnkey installation, you’ll need to factoring the cost of a third-party contractor to pour it.
Weather and Traction
These two factors should be considered when picking a material for your weighbridge, but really, there’s no significant difference. Treads are added to the steel’s surface, so they can provide traction for truck tires just as well as concrete bridges.
But, when it comes to foot traffic, steel can be more of a problem because the deck will be slippery even with the treads. Concrete is a better choice when it comes to walkability.
So think about the weather in the area. If you get lots of rain, snow, or ice, you might want to consider concrete for safety reasons.
Lifespan of Concrete vs Steel weighbridges
It’s important to consider the lifespan of your weighbridge while concrete vs steel weighbridges. This is for calculating the ROI of your trucks or rail containers in the long-term. It’s also important for operations.
Lifespan depends not only on the amount of scale maintenance but also on the material of your weighbridge. Consider that concrete decks are much heavier than their steel counterparts. This is great for load distribution and its ability to withstand all the movement and force that trucks put on it.
Concrete weighbridges have a lifespan of about 5-7 years longer than steel ones. Remember, they also offer better traction in icy or wet conditions.
Portability
As we mentioned above, portability is a factor to consider when choosing between weighbridges types. This isn’t just for resale purposes, but for any relocation as well as its end-of-life breakdown and removal.
Because concrete is about four times heavier than steel equivalents, they’re much harder to move. Will it be moved to a new location at any point either within the facility? Will it ever be resold?
Considering portable steel weighbridges. They’re lighter easier to move. Even if you don’t plan to move them, this choice offers the flexibility to move it if plans change in the future. For this reason, some consider them the best weighbridges, but it all depends on your situation.
Corrosion
Both concrete and steel are susceptible to corrosion from different materials and elements. Talk to an expert ahead of time if you’d like to know more details on the corrosion of each material. You’ll want it customized for your environment.
Concrete is a reliable building material because its properties are consistent and uniform. Quality control is extremely accurate for large manufacturing.
Its tensile strength, when reinforced, is 1/10th of its compressive strength, making it susceptible to cracks. Often, to compensate, admixtures and certain materials are added to the concrete.
Weighing the Options
Now you know how important it is to choose the right material for your weighbridge. Things like lifespan, portability, installation, and more can be affected.
Weather and weight are essential when considering concrete vs steel. Remember, a deck’s dependability is only as good as the craftsmanship, compliance with technology, and quality of the material itself.
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