Digital Tape Extensometer
Applications
The digital tape extensometer is used to detect and monitor changes in the distance between two reference points. Typical applications include:
- Monitoring convergence of tunnel walls.
- Monitoring deformations in underground openings.
- Monitoring displacement of retaining structures, bridge supports, and other structures.

Operation
Stainless steel reference points are permanently installed at measurement stations along the tunnel or structure. To obtain a measurement, the operator stretches the tape between two reference points, hooking the free end of the tape to one point and the instrument body to the other. The operator tensions the tape by turning a knurled collar until two index marks are aligned and then notes the reading from the tape and the digital display. The sum of these readings is the distance between the two reference points. By comparing the current reading to the initial reading, the operator can calculate the change in distance between the two reference points.
Advantages
Repeatable Measurements: The digital tape extensometer provides extremely repeatable measurements over spans up to 30 meters or 100 feet. The new digital display makes measurements easy.
Economical Reference Points: Stainless steel eyebolt reference points are economical and easy to keep clean. The eyebolts can be bolted or welded to the structure or threaded into groutable or expansion-type anchors.
Rugged: Precision parts are protected by a strong aluminum body and a plastic lens.
Easy to Use: The digital tape extensometer’s hook and eyebolt system is easy to use and offers unrestricted angular movement of the tape. Tape tension is easy to adjust, even when the operator wears gloves.

For more information
Please download the datasheet and the manual for the Digital Tape Extensometer. These documents can be viewed and printed with Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Digital Tape Extensometer Specifications
METRIC TAPE EXTENSOMETER | |
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Unit with 20 m tape | 51811510 |
Unit with 30 m tape | 51811530 |
Measurement Repeatability | ± 0.10 mm. |
Steel Tape | 13 mm x 20 m or 13 mm x 30 m, perforated at 50 mm intervals, graduated in mm. Thermal coefficient of expansion is 11.6 ppm per degree. |
Dimensions | 70 mm OD, 610 mm overall length. |
Weight | Approximately 2 kg |
Batteries | SR44 silver oxide cell. Battery life is approximately 3 years. |
Operation Temperature | 0 to 40 °C. |
English Tape Extensometer | |
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Unit with 66' tape | 51811500 |
Unit with 100' tape | Special Order |
Display Resolution | 0.0005 inch |
Measurement Repeatability | ± 0.005" |
Steel Tape | 0.5" x 60 or 0.5" x 100', perforated at 2-inch intervals with 1/8"graduations. Thermal coefficient of expansion is 6.45 ppm per degree F |
Dimensions | 2.75" OD, 24" overall length |
Weight | Approximately 4.5 lb |
Batteries | SR44 silver oxide cell. Battery life is approximately 3 years |
Operation Temperature | 0 to 40 °C |
REFERENCE POINTS | ||
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Reference Point | 51812000 | Stainless steel eyebolt with lock nut. Threads into groutable or expansion anchor |
Groutable Anchor | 51804304 | Steel rebar tapped to accept reference point. #5 rebar x 4" long (16 x 101 mm ). |
Expansion Anchor | 51812050 | Tapped for reference point. Requires 35 mm (1.375") drill hole. |
ACCESSORIES | ||
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Carrying Case | 51812100 | Sturdy vacuumed formed ABS plastic carrying case with foam lining for shock protection. |
Metric Replacement Tape, 20 m | 11801370 | |
English Replacement Tape, 66' | 11801380 |