Are Concrete Weighbridges Worth It? Real Benefits, Site Fit & Installation Explained

Jul 2, 2025 | weighbridges

Concrete weighbridges are not for everyone, but if you operate a permanent site with heavy vehicle traffic, the AWS106 and AWS108 series from Weigh-More Solutions are one of the most durable, stable, and low-maintenance options you can install.

These aren’t prefab kits. They’re built on-site with composite reinforced concrete and galvanized steel beams, certified to Australian bridge standards, and designed to last 20+ years in real industrial conditions.

Here’s what makes them a serious option, and when you should choose them over steel or portable models.

Built for High-Throughput, Long-Term Sites

A concrete weighbridge only makes sense when you need to move heavy volumes continuously and can’t afford downtime. The AWS106 and AWS108 models use galvanized universal beams and heavy-duty deck structures poured on-site with rebar-tied mesh. This is a structural solution, not a bolt-on frame.

They meet the AS/NZS 5100:2017 standard and carry an M1600 structural rating, meaning they’re built to the same design logic as road bridges. They’re not flexible, and they don’t need to be. Once they’re in place, they stay flat, clean, and accurate, day in, day out.

Size Options and How to Scale Them

Every AWS concrete weighbridge is modular. You can start with 4 meters and extend to 56+ meters by adding deck segments. Widths range from 3 to 4 meters. The segments lock together to accommodate B-double trucks, semi-trailers, and long-haul bulk vehicles.

The AWS108 pit model is recessed into the ground, ideal if you don’t want ramps taking up space. If your trucks are long or your site has tight approach lanes, the pit setup gives you a flush drive-through experience.

If you want a slightly faster install time but still need a permanent fixture, the AWS106 semi-inground model is a better fit. It sits 400mm above the surface, accessed via two 5m ramps, and can still support end-to-end axle group weighing.

Why Pit Weighbridges Make Sense on Tight Sites

You lose minutes per cycle when trucks reverse, reposition, or block access roads. Pit weighbridges eliminate that. With no ramps, no need for side clearance, and full alignment with the hardstand or driveway, they become part of your site’s movement system.

AWS108 models are popular in waste yards, portside operations, and inner-city logistics hubs because they simplify flow. There’s less manual correction, less need for guide rails, and more throughput per hour. Maintenance access can be designed directly into the deck with sealed entry points.

Software That Does More Than Weigh

Every AWS system integrates with EZYWeigh Software, our cloud-enabled, multi-device platform. This isn’t just for capturing gross weight. It’s used for:

  • Split weighing across axles
  • Vehicle identification with ANPR or HID systems
  • Onscreen prompts and ticket generation
  • Real-time data export (PDF, CSV, Excel)
  • Connectivity to ERP or accounting systems like MYOB and Xero

You can also automate traffic gates, LED displays, and driver kiosks using iBridge Intelligent Indicator as your control layer.

Everything feeds back into your site’s records. You get audit trails, overload warnings, transaction logs, no paper, no guesswork.

Designed for Harsh Conditions

If you’re in mining, waste processing, or rural agriculture, you already know what happens to steel decks in heat, rain, and corrosive environments. The AWS concrete systems were built for this. They resist cracking, deformation, and chemical spills, and require minimal cleaning because they don’t vibrate loose under heavy wheels.

All weighbridges are calibrated by licensed NMI technicians (approval no. 6/10B/69), and our internal beam structure includes gusset supports and rebar-mesh tying to improve structural rigidity beyond what you get in standard imports.

We source high-grade European digital components and install them onsite with our team. You don’t need to bring in external contractors unless you want to.

Installation: What to Expect

Concrete isn’t plug-and-play. It takes planning, but it also means you’re not relying on patchwork setups. Our installation process includes:

  • Site consultation and layout design
  • Civil works (pit excavation, formwork, drainage)
  • Pouring and curing of reinforced concrete deck
  • Load cell installation, cabling, and software configuration
  • Final calibration and certification for trade use

Once installed, you’ll have a certified, legal-for-trade weighbridge with full data access and remote diagnostics. If something goes wrong, our weighbridge maintenance service covers calibration, software updates, and fault resolution.

How It Compares to Steel Weighbridges

FeatureAWS ConcreteSteel Deck
Lifespan20–25 years8–15 years
MaintenanceLowMedium
Setup Time4–8 weeks1–3 weeks
Initial CostHigherLower
PortabilityNoneModular options available
StabilityHigh under axle group loadsModerate
Recommended ForLong-term permanent sitesTemporary or portable operations

If your goal is long-term cost control and you own the site, concrete is the right choice. If you’re renting land or need to relocate equipment often, steel weighbridges may offer more flexibility.

Who Should Use Concrete Weighbridges

We don’t recommend concrete to every client. But if your operation matches the conditions below, it’s the right tool.

  • You weigh 100+ trucks per day
  • You need axle-level accuracy to meet Chain of Responsibility
  • You operate year-round, including during wet or dusty seasons
  • You want to future-proof for multi-platform expansion
  • You prefer on-site deck access for cleaning and repairs
  • You need NMI-trade approval for certified weighing

Industries that benefit most include:

Quarries, grain terminals, ports, recyclers, cement plants, fertilizer distribution, and logistics depots.

AWS106 vs AWS108: Know the Difference

  • AWS106: Surface/semi-inground install, quicker access, suited for rural or semi-permanent sites
  • AWS108: Pit-style install, flush surface, suited for dense industrial environments or urban logistics

Both support integration with our load management kiosks and remote weighing control systems, and both can be tailored with custom deck lengths.

Yes, If You’re Committed to the Site

A concrete weighbridge isn’t a convenience product. It’s a critical asset. It takes more time upfront, but it pays off with decades of consistent weighing, cleaner operations, and compliance confidence.

The AWS106 and AWS108 models from Weigh-More Solutions offer:

  • Full structural customization
  • EZYWeigh and iBridge integration
  • NMI-licensed calibration
  • Aftermarket support and site servicing
  • Compliance with AS/NZS bridge codes

If your weighing needs are fixed, high-volume, and regulated, this is the weighbridge that stays with your site long after steel options start showing fatigue. Visit our concrete weighbridges page or request a project call today to spec your AWS build.

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