Site preparation – all foundation types, Scale positioning – Fairbanks MATRIX SCALE HIGHWAY SCALE SYSTEM User Manual
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Section 3: Installation
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51182 Rev. 2
SITE PREPARATION – ALL FOUNDATION TYPES
• Assist the customer in selecting a site which
allows easy access to and from the scale, 
ensuring enough area for straight and level 
approaches, and to meet all State and Local 
Weights and Measures Regulations. 
─
The site needs good drainage away from the 
scale, elevated enough so the surrounding 
areas drain away from the scale site. 
─
Obtain all the necessary permits and licenses 
prior to beginning construction. 
Scale Positioning
• Position the scale so that vehicles can approach and exit the scale easily and
straight.
─
Smooth and level approaches are required at each end of the platform to 
reduce loading shock, and to facilitate testing of the scale. 
─
Approaches must conform to the requirements of the law in the state in which 
the scale is being installed. 
─
In the absence of such laws, the approaches must conform to Paragraph 
UR.2.6 of the 
National Institute of Standards and Technology Handbook
44
, which states that the first 10 feet must be level and on the same plane as
the scale platform.
• The platform should be visible from the instrument location. 
• Surface water must drain easily, and not collect, under the scale. 
• The substructure must have a minimum bearing pressure of 3000 PSF, or as 
specified on the
Fairbanks
Certified
Prints
.
NOTE:
Always… “CALL BEFORE YOU DIG”.
1-888-258-0808