Planning A Truck Scale Installation - Rice Lake Survivor SR2411-SC-60 User Handbook Manual

Planning a Truck Scale Installation

A vehicle scale is a major investment and probably represents one of the most expensive weighing
systems you will ever buy. With that expense in mind, the decision must be founded in long-range plan-
ning that takes into account all present and likely future uses of the scale system. Ideally, a qualified
project engineer familiar with your industry should analyze your company's needs and write specifica-
tions for a comprehensive solution to meet those needs. Alternately, you can do your own analysis, then
write your own specifications before purchasing a vehicle scale. Whichever method you choose to
transfer your needs to a written specification, the variety of information needed may surprise you.
The comprehensive information you need to compile a "system" specification must normally be sought
from several sources. The purpose of this handbook is to provide you with some of the hard-to-find
information required, and to help you discover the right questions to ask. Only by asking the hard ques-
tions will you eventually find the best solutions for all aspects of your total vehicle weighing system.
The following questions will help you discover and organize the information needed to make informed,
long-range decisions and find the best solutions for the complete vehicle-weighing system.
Capacities
1. What type of trucks will be weighed?
What are the maximum axle loads of each type expected?
2. How long should the weighing platform be for current and future needs?
What is the maximum legal truck/trailer combination length in your state?
3. How many weighments are expected per day?
4. Are axle weights necessary, or only gross vehicle weights?
5. What is the maximum total weight expected to be weighed on the scale?
What is the minimum total weight expected to be weighed on the scale?
Site Location
6. What approach length is required by NTEP? Is there sufficient room?
7. Will existing traffic patterns at the site interfere with the vehicle scale?
8. Will high groundwater or even occasional flooding create a possible problem?
9. Is there abnormal RFI/EMI noise at the site?
10. Is the site located within a hazardous environment?
11. Will you possibly want to relocate the scale in future years?
12. Are soil-bearing characteristics acceptable without major excavation and fill?
13. Will underground utilities need to be rerouted from the site?
14. Is there construction and maintenance access to both or only one side of the scale?
Single-axle? Dual-axle?
1
Tri-axle?