What Is a Multi-Deck Weighbridge?
A multi-deck weighbridge — also called an axle weighbridge or multiplatform weighbridge — splits a single long weighing surface into several independent, load-cell-supported sections ("decks"). Instead of one continuous platform producing a single gross weight, each deck weighs the axle group sitting on it in real time. As a truck rolls across the bridge, the system captures individual axle-group weights and totals them into an accurate gross weight, while flagging any axle that's carrying more than its legal share of the load.
This matters enormously on Kenyan roads. Kenya's road network, and particularly the Northern Corridor that carries the bulk of import/export cargo between the Port of Mombasa and landlocked markets in Uganda, Rwanda, and eastern DRC, is engineered to specific axle load tolerances. A truck can be within its total gross weight limit and still be illegally loaded if too much weight sits on a single axle group — a common and often unintentional outcome of uneven cargo distribution. A standard single-platform weighbridge only tells you the total; it can't tell you where the excess weight is. A multi-deck weighbridge can, which is why transport operators, quarry weighbridge operators, and KeNHA weighbridge stations increasingly specify multi-deck systems over single-platform designs.
Multi Deck Weighbridge Dimensions & Layout
| Category | Item | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | Total Length | 125 + 2800 + 200 + 5800 + 200 + 6800 + 200 + 5800 + 125 = 22050 mm |
| Scale Size | Platform Length | 3000 + 6000 + 7000 + 6000 = 22000 mm |
| Plate | Material | 12 mm Checker Plate |
| Load Cell Configuration | Long Direction Center Distance | 2800 mm, 5800 mm, 6800 mm, 5800 mm |
| Wide Direction Center Distance | 2900 mm | |
| Beam Height | 320 mm × 8 pieces | |
| Section Lengths | First Section | 3 m |
| Second Section | 6 m | |
| Third Section | 7 m | |
| Fourth Section | 6 m |
Overall View
The multi deck truck scale consists of four independent sections that work together as a complete weighing system. Each section is designed to handle specific portions of the truck weight while maintaining accuracy across the entire platform.
Working Principle
Independent Weighing System
The Multi deck Weighbridge scale operate independently of each other while functioning as a complete system.
Vertical & Horizontal Limits
Special consideration for scale body shifting to maintain accuracy.
Longitudinal Limitation
Limit screws at the ends of first (3m) and fourth (6m) sections with 2-3cm space reserved.
Lateral Limitation System
The lateral/lateral limit is controlled by an additional limit plate on the end plate of the scale body. This prevents unwanted side-to-side movement while allowing for proper weight distribution
Load Cell - KELI 30T
Load Cell Features:
* Capacity: 30T
* Steel ball loading, strong restoration ability
* Easy complete installation, high weighing accuracy
* OIML C3 certificate
* Alloy Steel
Technical Features
| Parameter | Specification | Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rated Load | 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50 t | Operating Temp Range | −30 ~ +70°C |
| Sensitivity | 2.0 ± 0.002 mV/V | Safe Load Limit | 150%, 120% (40–50 t) F.S |
| Total Error | C2 | Overload Limit | 300%, 200% (40–50 t) F.S |
| Creep (30 min) | ±0.02% F.S | Recommended Excitation | 10–12 V DC |
| Zero Balance | ±1% F.S | Maximum Excitation | 15 V DC |
| TCO | ±0.02% F.S / 10°C | Protection Class | IP67 (5 t), IP68 (10–50 t) |
| TC Span | ±0.02% F.S / 10°C | Construction | Alloy Steel |
| Input Resistance | 750 ± 10 Ω | Cable Length | L: 5.2 m (5 t), 8 m (10 t), 10 m (15 t), 10/12 m (20 t) |
| Output Resistance | 702 ± 3 Ω, 702 ± 5 Ω (L ≥ 15 m) | Cable Length (cont.) | 12/15 m (25 t), 12/16 m (30 t), 16 m (40–50 t) |
| Insulation Resistance | ≥ 5000 MΩ | Cable Diameter | Ø 6 mm |
INDICATOR - ZM 510
User-centred design
Enclosures
Constructed for use in the office, dusty, wet or high pressure, heavy washdown and outdoor environments, the ZM510 is IP69K certified and enclosed in 304 brushed stainless steel. Designed for long service in extreme conditions, including corrosive environments and frequent, heavy washdown, the ZM510 adapts to desk, wall or column mount applications
Keypads
With metal domed tactile keys and audio contact confirmation, the ZM510’s large QWERTY keypad makes it flexible for use across all applications. Five programmable keys allow for specific weighing tasks to be assigned to the indicator, allowing weighing operations to be carried out quickly and effectively. The ZM510 can also be connected to a USB keyboard
Dot matrix graphical display
High contrast, Improved Super Twisted Nematic graphic display gives the ZM510 excellent visibility and colour contrast. With its wide viewing angles, the ultra bright green and black dot graphic display is easily visible in extreme working conditions and
The ZM510 is a high performance, multi-function indicator, flexible enough to adapt to complex weighing tasks. Programmable and highly connective, the ZM510 displays, analyses, stores, and transmits data across devices, offering an end-to-end, personalised weighing solution.
Remote Display Unit
The weight of the axles can be shown on large external displays with 120 mm high red LED digits making the information visible to the driver immediately. An external display can also show the gross weight of the vehicle.The large displays are fully waterproof. The displays show zero when the platform is idle and when overloads are detected, the appropriate display will flash, showing which sets of axles are causing the problem
The weight of the axles can be shown on large external displays with 120 mm high red LED digits making the information visible to the driver immediately. An external display can also show the gross weight of the vehicle.The large displays are fully waterproof. The displays show zero when the platform is idle and when overloads are detected, the appropriate display will flash, showing which sets of axles are causing the problem
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a multi-deck weighbridge used for?
A multi-deck weighbridge weighs trucks axle group by axle group instead of producing only a single total weight, allowing operators to identify and correct overloaded axles before a vehicle leaves the yard or reaches a KeNHA checkpoint.
What is the difference between a multi-deck and a single-deck weighbridge?
A single-deck (single-platform) weighbridge gives one gross weight reading for the whole vehicle. A multi-deck weighbridge splits the platform into independent sections, each with its own load cells, so it can report the weight on each axle group separately as well as the combined total.
How long is a 100-ton multi-deck weighbridge?
This configuration has a total foundation length of 22,050 mm and a platform length of 22,000 mm, split across four sections of 3 m, 6 m, 7 m, and 6 m.
What load cells does this weighbridge use?
Eight KELI 30T load cells — OIML C3-certified, alloy steel, steel-ball loading design — distributed across the four deck sections.
Is this weighbridge legal for trade and compliance use in Kenya?
Weighbridges used for trade, invoicing, or road-compliance purposes must be installed and calibrated in line with KEBS legal metrology requirements. Scalestech handles installation and calibration to meet these standards; confirm your specific compliance requirements with KEBS for your use case.
How much does a multi-deck weighbridge cost in Kenya?
Pricing depends on platform length, foundation type (pit vs. pitless), indicator and software specification, and site logistics. Request a site-specific quotation for an accurate figure.
Can the weighbridge detect which axle is overloaded?
Yes. Because each deck section weighs independently, the ZM510 indicator and remote display show which specific axle group is carrying excess weight, with the remote display flashing on the affected section.
Does Scalestech install multi-deck weighbridges outside Kenya?
Yes, Scalestech supports installations and servicing across East Africa, including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, and Sudan, in addition to nationwide coverage across Kenya.
How often should a weighbridge be calibrated?
An Annual Maintenance Contract with scheduled calibration is the standard recommendation; high-throughput sites should consider more frequent interim checks.
