The effect of trimming on strain gauge accuracy

During a programme of fatigue testing welded tubular joints, similar to those in use in North Sea offshore structures, it was necessary to measure the strain as close to the weld toe as possible and also to detect crack initiation. To this end general purpose miniature foil strain gauges were used. The backings of these gauges were trimmed prior to installation to enable placing the measuring grid as close as possible to the weld toe. The investigation described was carried out to assess the accuracy of these strain gauge installations.