Proof of Concept Study for the Applicability of 3D Imaging for the Inspection of Dry-Stone Masonry Retaining Walls

Currently, the structural integrity of retaining walls is primarily assessed through time-consuming, qualitative visual inspections. These inspections include measuring the overall length and height, as well as the distance from the edge of the roadway, and may involve surveying tools to record measurements at critical points if notable bulges or tilts are detected. The variable behavior of such wall systems, as well as the limitations of current assessment techniques, are leading to an increasing maintenance issue. Furthermore, the data for stone masonry retaining walls is often incomplete due to the age of the walls and the lack of a comprehensive asset management plan. Recognizing this, the Soils and Foundations team at the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is exploring how 3D imaging can improve current practices, and are conducting a project to provide preliminary data to inform the development of an asset management program. This three-year project proposes to develop a reliable method for inspecting and monitoring stone-masonry retaining walls through the use of 3D imaging technologies. These technologies will produce high-resolution 3D representations of the walls, which can be used to document their current in-situ conditions in order to establish a baseline for future comparisons. Additionally, the 3D models will reveal cross-sections of potentially vulnerable areas, such as bulges or tilts. Specific objectives of the project include: (1) evaluating the usability of Google Street View data in combination with high-quality images collected by an Applied Streetview 360-degree panorama global positioning system (GPS) camera mounted to a car or carried in a backpack based on access restrictions; (2) determining specifications and requirements for the image collection process that allows the approximate generation of the wall's 3D geometry through photogrammetry; (3) developing a framework for image-based monitoring of walls by incorporating GPS/LiDAR/image data; and, (4) quantifying the minimum achievable error for global and local measurements.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $234226
• Contract Numbers:

  SPR-2327

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Connecticut Department of Transportation

  2800 Berlin Turnpike
  Newington, CT  United States  06131
• Managing Organizations:

  Connecticut Department of Transportation

  2800 Berlin Turnpike
  Newington, CT  United States  06131
• Project Managers:

  Zimyeski, Melanie

• Performing Organizations:

  University of Connecticut, Storrs

  Connecticut Transportation Institute
  270 Middle Turnpike, Unit 5202
  Storrs, CT  United States  06269-5202
• Principal Investigators:

  Hain, Alexandra

• Start Date: 20221001
• Expected Completion Date: 20250630
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Asset management; Image analysis; Inspection; Retaining walls
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01872848
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation
• Contract Numbers: SPR-2327
• Files: RIP, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Feb 9 2023 9:28AM