Close-range terrestrial digital photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning for discontinuity characterization on rock cuts

This paper reviews the application of close-range terrestrial digital photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning for discontinuity characterization on rock cuts. Terrestrial remote sensing techniques are being increasingly used as a complement to traditional scanline and window mapping methods. They provide more comprehensive information on rock cuts, allow surveying of inaccessible outcrops, and increase user safety. Selected case studies are used to estimate the accuracy of several 3D model registration approaches and the most time-, effort- and cost-effective methods are highlighted. It is shown that simple registration networks are able to provide adequate measurement of discontinuity orientation for engineering purposes. The case studies presented also illustrate the effects of sampling bias and limitations related to discontinuity characterization using remote sensing techniques. Vertical orientation bias and occlusion can be of particular concern when persistent discontinuities dip at the same angle as the camera/scanner line-of-sight. Major advantages of the techniques are presented illustrating how terrestrial remote sensing techniques provide rapid spatial measurements of discontinuity location, orientation and curvature and are well suited to the quantification of persistence magnitudes greater than 3 m.     

Verification of a 3-D LiDAR Viewer for Discontinuity Orientations

Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) scanners are increasingly being used to measure discontinuity orientations on rock cuts to eliminate the bias and hazards of manual measurements which are also time consuming and somewhat subjective. Typically LiDAR data sets (point clouds) are analyzed by sophisticated algorithms that break down when conditions are not ideal, for example when some of the discontinuities are obscured by vegetation, or when significant portions of the rock face are composed of fractured facets, weathering generated surfaces, or anything that should not be identified as a discontinuity for the purposes of slope stability analysis. This paper presents a simple LiDAR point cloud viewer that allows the user to view the point cloud, identify discontinuities, pick three points on the surface (plane) of each discontinuity, and generate discontinuity orientations using the three-point method. Additionally, a test of our 3-D LiDAR viewer for discontinuity orientations on rock cuts in the United States of America and Canada is presented.     

An improved Monte Carlo simulation method for discontinuity orientations based on Fisher distribution and its program implementation

Fisher distribution is the most commonly used probability density function for discontinuity orientations. Based on Fisher distribution, Monte Carlo simulation method for discontinuity orientations was reviewed and improved. Those orientations extending beyond the edge of an upper hemisphere projection (OEBEUHP) often have an important influence on both the mean orientation and Fisher constant K, thus affecting simulation results. The detailed algorithms for identifying and adjusting those OEBEUHP were developed in this paper. Based on the improved method, a program for generating discontinuity orientations and plotting their stereographic projection maps, named as MCSDO, was developed. Due to the aforementioned adjustment, the generated orientations by MCSDO are close to the original discontinuity orientations, which were mapped in field, and satisfactory. Only the original orientations and target number of generated orientations need to be input. By running the program we can directly obtain the follows: orientations of generated discontinuities, mean orientations of both original and generated discontinuities, Fisher constant K of both original and generated discontinuities, and stereographic projection maps of both original and generated discontinuities. MCSDO is a freeware designed for researchers and practicing engineers, and can be easily mastered with a little computer knowledge.     

Probabilistic block theory analysis for a rock slope at an open pit mine in USA

A new formulation is given to conduct a probabilistic block theory analysis. A new computer code (PBTAC) is developed to perform both deterministic and probabilistic block theory analysis. The variability of the discontinuity orientation and shear strength is incorporated in the probabilistic block theory analysis. Discontinuity orientation is treated as a bivariate random variable including the correlation that exists between the dip angle and dip direction. PBTAC code was applied to perform both deterministic and probabilistic block theory analyses for a part of an open pit mine in USA. Needed geological and geotechnical data for the analyses were obtained from field and laboratory investigations. The variability of the discontinuity orientations resulted in important differences between the probabilistic and deterministic block theory analyses results. The results confirmed that the design value selected for the maximum safe slope angle (MSSA) for a particular region in the open pit mine based on the deterministic block theory analysis can be on the unsafe side. In summary, the results showed clearly the superiority of probabilistic block theory analysis over the deterministic block theory analysis in obtaining additional important information with respect to designing rock slopes. The calculated values agree very well with the existing almost stable bench face angles reported by the mining company.     

基于误差理论的产状测量精度评定

以边坡为研究对象,针对基于罗盘、免棱镜全站仪、激光测距仪、三维激光扫描仪和数字摄影测量工作站的5种产状测量方法,采用误差理论进行产状测量精度评定。研究表明,罗盘产状测量的倾向、倾角中误差分别为±4°和±3°,其精度评定既可以提高对罗盘产状测量精度的认识,也可为其他4种非接触类产状测量方法的精度评定提供验算数据。利用罗盘只能进行高陡边坡下部结构面的产状测量,测量范围有限且高耗低效;非接触类产状测量方法则可以解决人员难以到达的高陡边坡上部结构面的产状测量问题。其中,三维激光扫描和数字近景摄影测量方法可以获取边坡岩体大量随机结构面上的产状信息,为基于随机动力学的边坡稳定性评价提供重要的基础数据。     

The Impact of Biased Sampling on the Estimation of the Semivariogram Within Fractured Media Containing Multiple Fracture Sets

Monte Carlo simulation was used to examine the error (statistical bias) introduced in estimating a sample semivariogram through application of oriented sampling patterns to variables which are correlated with fracture orientation. Sample semivariograms of the directional components of the water velocity were used to illustrate that oriented sampling schemes can provide biased data sets which result in error in the estimation of the semivariogram, particularly in the estimation of the sill (or variance). Three sampling patterns were used to analyze directional semivariograms of the components of the fluid velocity: sampling along lines parallel to the mean regional hydraulic gradient, sampling among lines perpendicular to the mean regional hydraulic gradient, and sampling along fracture segments. The first two sampling patterns were shown to introduce substantial error in the sills of the velocity variograms. It is argued that this error is due to the combination of unequal sampling of fractures with different orientations (i.e., sampling bias) and the systematic variation in the magnitude of the velocity components with orientation of the fracture. As a consequence, it is suggested that correction factors developed to correct fracture frequency statistics need to be extended to improve estimation of spatial moments of variables which are correlated with fracture orientation.     

节理岩体结构面产状的动态聚类分析

节理岩体结构面的优势产状是进行Mnote-carlo模拟和岩体稳定性分析的基础。玫瑰花图、等密度图等传统的图形分析方法比较粗糙,其结果只是相对的优势组数划分,无法准确地给出结构面的优势产状,使得分组结果在实际中应用不便。为弥补上述不足,采用改进的动态聚类分析方法,构造空间直角坐标系,以结构面的单位法向量表示其产状,并根据球面上两点之间的球面距离对结构面产状进行分类判定。将该方法应用于三峡库区巴东新县城铜盆溪桥东头高切坡结构面优势产状分析中。结果表明,采用改进动态聚类分析方法结果可靠,分类合理,可以较准确地确定结构面的优势产状。     

基于三维激光点云技术的岩体结构面智能解译

准确、高效、全面获取岩体结构面信息,对岩体的稳定性分析有着重要的意义.采用三维激光扫描设备进行岩体数据采集,基于岩体点云模型提出了结构面自动识别方法.通过对Ransac算法进行改进,引入了新的采样方法和评分准则,大大提升了Ransac算法的计算效率和提取精度,使之更好地适应粗糙不平的岩体点云数据;基于改进的Graham Scan算法可以精准描绘出结构面的凸凹边界,进而精细化计算出结构面尺寸.基于以上算法研发了结构面识别程序RDD（ransac discontinuity dtection）,并且采用了两组标准几何体数据和一组岩体数据对程序进行测试.结果表明,标准几何体产状误差在1°以内,实际岩体最大误差在6°以内,结构面尺寸最大误差率为0.278%,满足工程限定的误差要求.      

Probabilistic modelling of joint orientation

Observed frequencies of joint orientations are subject to error due to sampling bias. This error should be corrected before statistical inference is made on the distribution of orientation. Corrections (weighting functions) are developed for sampling bias in orientation for finite joints of different sizes and shapes intersecting rectangular exposures. Chi-square goodness-of-fit procedures available for hemispherical normal and bivariate normal distributions are modified to make them applicable for both raw data and data corrected for sampling bias. The aforementioned corrections and procedures were applied to a joint orientation cluster to study the effect of (a) joint orientation, (b) joint size and (c) joint shape, on the statistical distribution of the orientation. The influences of all these aforementioned factors were found to be significant. However, at present, joint sizes and shapes are not measured in field joint surveys. Therefore, it is suggested to make attempts to obtain joint sizes and shapes in field joint mapping surveys. Since the currently available probability distributions are not adequate to represent all joint orientation distributions, it is suggested either to look for new probability distributions or to develop procedures to use empirical distributions in modelling orientation distributions.     

Evaluating roadside rockmasses for rockfall hazards using LiDAR data: optimizing data collection and processing protocols

Highways and railroads situated within rugged terrain are often subjected to the hazard of rockfalls. The task of assessing roadside rockmasses for potential hazards typically involves an on-site visual investigation of the rockmass by an engineer or geologist. At that time, numerous parameters associated with discontinuity orientations and spacing, block size (volume) and shape distributions, slope geometry, and ditch profile are either measured or estimated. Measurements are typically tallied according to a formal hazard rating system, and a hazard level is determined for the site. This methodology often involves direct exposure of the evaluating engineer to the hazard and can also create a potentially non-unique record of the assessed slope based on the skill, knowledge and background of the evaluating engineer. Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)–based technologies have the capability to produce spatially accurate, high-resolution digital models of physical objects, known as point clouds. Mobile terrestrial LiDAR equipment can collect, at traffic speed, roadside data along highways and rail lines, scanning continual distances of hundreds of kilometres per day. Through the use of mobile terrestrial LiDAR, in conjunction with airborne and static systems for problem areas, rockfall hazard analysis workflows can be modified and optimized to produce minimally biased, repeatable results. Traditional rockfall hazard analysis inputs include two distinct, but related sets of variables related to geological or geometric control. Geologically controlled inputs to hazard rating systems include kinematic stability (joint identification/orientation) and rock block shape and size distributions. Geometrically controlled inputs include outcrop shape and size, road, ditch and outcrop profile, road curvature and vehicle line of sight. Inputs from both categories can be extracted or calculated from LiDAR data, although there are some limitations and special sampling and processing considerations related to structural character of the rockmass, as detailed in this paper.     

岩体结构面产状测量的钻孔摄像技术及其可靠性

针对钻孔摄像技术对结构面产状测量只限于垂直孔的现状,以钻孔孔口圆心为原点,建立空间左手直角坐标系,对倾斜孔中结构面产状的确定方法进行了详尽的阐述和推导,得出了精确的解析计算公式,并基于C#语言进行编程,开发了IDOIB软件,通过测试表明此方法及其程序的正确性.采用PVC管模拟钻孔孔壁,进行钻孔摄像技术用于结构面产状测量的可靠性试验研究,结果表明:(1)对于垂直孔,测量结果的倾向绝对误差为[-3°,4°]、倾角绝对误差为[-1.5°,1.0°],说明该技术用于垂直孔进行结构面产状测量是可靠的,能满足工程应用精度.(2)当PVC管的倾伏向为270°、倾伏角为25°时,结构面产状可靠度为0.10;倾伏向为176°、倾伏角为60°时,结构面产状可靠度为0.67.PVC管倾伏角的不同导致结构面产状可靠度的差异.(3)一般岩体工程的结构面产状测量结果应具有高等级可靠度(不小于0.8),即须在倾伏角不小于71°的钻孔内采用该技术进行测量.      

Using fault displacement and slip tendency to estimate stress states

We suggest that faults in high slip tendency orientations tend to develop larger displacements than other faults. Consequently, faults that accumulate larger displacements are more likely to be reliable indicators of the longer term stress field and should be weighted accordingly in paleostress estimation. Application of a stress inversion technique that uses slip tendency analyses and fault displacements to interpret populations of coherent normal faults within the Balcones Fault System of south-central Texas provides stress estimates that are consistent with established regional stress analyses. Although the method does not require measurement of slip directions, these data, where available, and sensitivity analyses of the angular mismatch between measured slip directions and those predicted by inverted stress states provide high confidence in the stress estimates generated using slip tendency analyses. Close inspection of the fault orientation and displacement data further indicates that subpopulations of faults with orientations different from the regional pattern have formed in response to stress perturbations generated by displacement gradients on an adjacent seismic scale fault.     

A technique for identifying structural domain boundaries at the EKATI Diamond Mine

Over 10,000 discontinuity orientations from various sources at the EKATI Diamond Mine in northern Canada were collected and amalgamated into a common database. A new technique in which structural domains were determined in the area of three closely spaced active pits by quantitatively comparing stereonets from different regions was developed. The frequencies of discontinuity poles plotting in orientation windows on stereonets were determined and compared using a correlation coefficient to quantify the degree of similarity between different stereonets. Structural boundaries between regions were established wherever their associated stereonets display low correlation coefficients. The technique was able to determine boundaries in the vertical direction as well as radially in a number of pie-shaped zones extending around the kimberlite pipes.     

Measurement and correlation of microstructures: the case of foliation intersection axes

Recent studies have used the relative rotation axis of sigmoidal and spiral‐shaped inclusion trails, known as Foliation Inflexion/Intersection Axis (FIA), to investigate geological processes such as fold mechanisms and porphyroblast growth. The geological usefulness of this method depends upon the accurate measurement of FIA orientations and correct correlation of temporally related FIAs. This paper uses new data from the Canton Schist to assess the variation in FIA orientations within and between samples, and evaluates criteria for correlating FIAs. For the first time, an entire data set of FIA measurements is published, and data are presented in a way that reflects the variation in FIA orientations within individual samples and provides an indication of the reliability of the data. Analysis of 61 FIA trends determined from the Canton Schist indicate a minimum intrasample range in FIA orientations of 30°. Three competing models are presented for correlation of these FIAs, and each of the models employ different correlation criteria. Correlation of FIAs in Model 1 is based on relative timing and textural criteria, while Model 2 uses relative timing, orientation and patterns of changing FIA orientations, and Model 3 uses relative timing and FIA orientation as correlation criteria. Importantly, the three models differ in the spread of FIA orientations within individual sets, and the number of sets distinguished in the data. Relative timing is the most reliable criterion for correlation, followed by textural criteria and patterns of changing FIA orientations from core to rim of porphyroblasts. It is proposed that within a set of temporally related FIAs, the typical spread of orientations involves clustering of data in a 60° range, but outliers occur at other orientations including near‐normal to the peak distribution. Consequently, in populations of FIA data that contain a wide range of orientations, correlation on the basis of orientation is unreliable in the absence of additional criteria. The results of this study suggest that FIAs are best used as semiquantitative indicators of bulk trends rather than an exact measurement for the purpose of quantitative analyses.     

应用激光扫描技术进行岩体结构面的半自动统计研究

以力丘河某边坡裸露岩体结构面的快速统计为例,提出了利用三维激光测量方法进行岩体结构面的半自动快速统计方法。详细介绍了三维激光扫描仪和高精度GPS的联合测量方法,激光点云数据的坐标转换和边坡表面三角网重构方法。在此基础上,研究了采用三维激光点云数据和三角网数据进行岩体结构面平面方程的半自动拟合方法、岩体结构面法向量和产状的关系等。利用得到的岩体结构面产状快速绘制岩体结构面密度图、玫瑰图、极点图和赤平投影图,得到了该边坡裂隙结构面分布规律和几何信息等。和传统方法相比,该方法具有快速测量和远距离测量的优点,且减少了攀爬高陡岩坡的危险。     

Research Progress of Quality Control for AIRS Data

Satellite data assimilation can provide accurate initial field for Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models. So far, data variational assimilation is based on the theory where error obeys Gaussian distribution, so as to apply the least square method. During classical variational assimilation, if the data contain outliers, the results of optimal parameter estimation is meaningless. Therefore, quality control is quite necessary for Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) data before data assimilation. This paper made a comment of the advances in the quality control using AIRS data, which analyzed and discussed the research status from five aspects: channel selection, outliers elimination, bias correction, cloud detection and data sparseness. Three methods for channel selection were summarized, which are stepwise iterative method based on information entropy, the cumulative effect coefficient of principal component and principal components—Stepwise regression, respectively. Comparatively, stepwise iterative method based on information entropy is more widely used, but the selected channels are weak related; Channel combination with large amount of information can be obtained through the method of principal components—stepwise regression, but the implementation process is time-consuming due to the algorithm. Both the lane of law and the double weight method were used in outliers elimination, and the result shows that the latter one is better. Two kinds of bias correction method including off-line and on-line, were introduced, which contain static, adaptive, regression method, variational, method based on the radiative transfer model, bias correction with Kalman filter and dynamic update of bias correction technique. It is found that the timeliness of static method is better; while variational method could solve the problems of data drift and so on. The result is better when using bias correction based on the model and Kalman methods, but it is more time-consuming and not suitable for business application. Generally, the effect and timeliness of dynamic update one is the best among them. In this paper four kinds of cloud detection method are discussed here, including the sky field-of-view, sky channel, cloud radiation correction and different instrument cloud products matching. The first two methods are more feasible from the perspective of timeliness for numerical prediction, but the data quantity using could detection method of sky field-of-view is less than sky channel, leading to discarding of lots of channel data in climate sensitive area such as upper channel, and thus affecting the quality of analysis field. Further on, the methods of hops jumper, box and principal component applied to AIRS data sparseness were analyzed. From assimilation timeliness and operability, box method is feasible; although there is high complexity with algorithm of principal component analysis, which has a certain application prospect. After reviewing the quality control section, some further research directions in these fields were given respectively.     

基于地震同相轴预测的剩余静校正方法研究

为解决野外地表参数测定不准确等因素引起的地震数据剩余静校正问题,通过平面波分解滤波器计算时空变地震同相轴局部倾角,利用局部倾角与同相轴的时空预测量之间的关系计算剩余静校正量,在剩余静校正量计算所需局部平面波方程求解过程中,加入时间方向倾角为常数的整形正则化约束条件,以保证剩余静校正方法的准确性。结果表明,基于地震同相轴预测的剩余静校正方法可以有效地处理共中心点道集数据的剩余静校正问题,同时本方法具有一定的抗噪能力,为实际资料处理提供了较好的适用性。     

三维激光扫描装置设计与数据处理

三维激光扫描仪克服了传统的单点测量方式,可以方便地对实物进行复制建立立体模型。笔者简单介绍了三维激光扫描仪构造及其实现的原理,利用自行购买的激光雷达、相机和电控平台等部件搭建三维激光扫描平台,利用串口通讯实现对激光雷达、相机和电控平台等硬件控制,进一步完成三维激光扫描点云生成及图像获取,并对生成的点云进行了精度校正,最后基于特征点拼接多幅扫描图像并成功地实现了扫描点云和图像的匹配融合,其中点云精度和图像融合效果较好。     

SLSE Damage Detection Technique for Foundation Strengthening Using Plates

This paper discusses the use of a vibration-based technique for damage detection in metal and composite plate wrappings for pier foundation repairs. The SLSE (Scanning Laser-Strain Energy) method relies on full-field laser modal scanning and strain energy computation to establish damage locations within composite wrappings. Strain energy distribution relies on segmental derivation of detected deflection shapes; hence, large numbers of spatial data points are required. By providing high spatial data density, laser scanner complement nicely with the damage detection technique. Using an aluminum plate and a composite plate, results from a baseline scan test is presented in this paper to demonstrate the show the high potential of this technique for detecting damage in plates commonly used for structural repairs.