In the installation of strain gages in driven H-piles to measure loads, why should they be normally used in pairs?

Strain gages are often installed in driven piles to measure the load distribution along the piles. They have to be protected from being removed as the pile is driven into the ground. Protection of strain gages is achieved by welding channels or angles for enclosure of stain gages.

Strain gages should always be installed in pairs located back to back on the same piece of steel. For instance they may be placed back to back on either side of web of H-piles. Only one gage mounted on the cross section of H-pile is not too useful because it may be affected by an unknown degree by bending moment. Hence, the results of axial load may appear to be doubtful.

This question is taken from book named – A Self Learning Manual – Mastering Different Fields of Civil Engineering Works (VC-Q-A-Method) by Vincent T. H. CHU.