Use force sensor while preserve mechanical integrity

[roineust]

I have a design, with a column or beam, made of plastic or close material (perhaps i will 3D print it, perhaps not) and the following force sensor:

https://www.imagesco.com/sensors/force-sensors.html

The column has a very important mechanical load function in this design and i need to have a load measurement read in the middle of the column.

What are the general ways to mechanical engineer a sensor and column combination, so the measurement is accurate, while the column mechanical load integrity is preserved and it is also possible to easily replace the sensor if needed?

I am looking for the possible general ways to approach this, but if specific details of the column matter, please let me know what details you need. If you would suggest a different type of sensor, please let me know what type. Sensor data has to be readable via Arduino and it has to be very light weight.

[Slumpert]

A actual micro strain gauge epoxied to middle of a thin bar (aluminum or similar flexible materials) inserted into the column vertically would be my approach.

With “slots” installed in the sides leading to the support area, the bar can be installed and removed while column is still installed and would have little structural impact.

Quick sketch attached.