A Strain gage (sometimes referred to as a Strain Gauge) is a sensor whose resistance varies with

applied force; it converts force, pressure, tension, weight, etc., into a change in electrical
resistance which can then be measured. When external forces are applied to a stationary object,
stress and strain are the result. Stress is defined as the object's internal resisting forces, and strain
is defined as the displacement and deformation that occur. As their name indicates, they are used
for the measurement of strain. As a technical term "strain" consists of tensile and compressive
strain, distinguished by a positive or negative sign. Thus, strain gages can be used to pick up
expansion as well as contraction. Vibrating wire strain gages have proven to be a very reliable
and effective tool for the measurement of strains associated with the loading of bored piles
(drilled shafts). However, when these strains are used to calculate the load, or stresses in the pile,
the results can sometimes be confusing and/or difficult to interpret. In static load tests vibrating
wire strain gages are generally used. The advantage of vibrating wire sensors over more
conventional electrical resistance or semi-conductor types lies mainly in the sensor output, which
is a frequency rather than a voltage or resistance.