Overview : The shearbeam load cell can be either cylindrical or rectangular. The strain gauges are placed at the bottom of the blind holes. The strain gauges are mounted on the beam at 45 degrees to the longitudinal axis. When the load is applied to the beam, gauges along 45 degrees become longer (tension), along 135 degree become shorter (compression), thereby unbalancing the bridge. The shear beam load cell is insensitive to lateral forces, and point of application of torque is not critical. Shear Beam Loadcells with IP-68 protection is used mainly for Lorry Weigh Bridges.