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strain seismograph
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Diagram showing a strain seismograph with two piers connected by a rod. Three panels illustrate the rod's position during no seismic activity, compressional wave activity (rod moves closer to pier 1), and stretching wave activity (rod and pier 2 move away from pier 1), demonstrating how changes in distance measure seismic waves.
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strain seismograph

instrument
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Diagram showing a strain seismograph with two piers connected by a rod. Three panels illustrate the rod's position during no seismic activity, compressional wave activity (rod moves closer to pier 1), and stretching wave activity (rod and pier 2 move away from pier 1), demonstrating how changes in distance measure seismic waves.
strain seismograph Schematic diagram of a strain seismograph. A and B are two piers separated by a distance, which may be 20 metres (65 feet) or more. One end of a rod (R) is fixed to pier B and the other placed near pier A. Earth strains resulting from seismic waves produce variations in the separation of the two piers. Those variations are observable as changes in the distance between the free end of the rod and pier A.

A strain seismograph is an instrument that measures changes in the distance between two points on the ground, unlike traditional seismographs that use pendulums to record ground motion. Devised in 1935 by Hugo Benioff, it operates on the principle that the electrical resistance of a wire changes when stretched or compressed. This resistance change is amplified and converted into strain measurements. Strain gauges, the core component, are often small, foil-like grids bonded to the surface being measured. They are sensitive enough to detect minute deformations and are suitable for dynamic loading conditions. These instruments are valuable for understanding ground deformation and can be used in various scientific and engineering applications.12

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