Lastmessung

Lastmessung, often translated as load measurement, is the practice of quantifying the forces, pressures, or demands acting on a structure, component, or system. In engineering contexts it covers mechanical loads such as axial forces, bending moments, shear, and dynamic loads induced by motion, impact, or turbulence, as well as, in electrical engineering, the electrical load or demand placed on a power source or network.

For mechanical applications, measurement relies on sensors such as load cells based on strain gauges, hydraulic or pneumatic transducers, and torque sensors. Data can be collected with data loggers or high-speed data acquisition systems to capture static conditions or dynamic events. Measurements may be expressed as force, stress, moment, or load histories and are used for design verification, structural health monitoring, fatigue analysis, and performance testing. Calibration and temperature compensation are important to ensure accuracy and traceability.

In electrical contexts, Lastmessung refers to determining the electrical load of equipment or networks, usually expressed in watts, volt-amperes, or volt-ampere reactive, and often broken down into active and reactive components. Instruments include wattmeters, power analyzers, and revenue meters, and data support load forecasting, demand management, and energy efficiency programs.

Quality and reliability rely on standards and traceable calibration, documentation of measurement uncertainty, and proper sensor placement to avoid local effects. The field encompasses laboratory testing, field measurements on structures or vehicles, and continuous monitoring in operation.