Journal Published Online: 12 January 2017
Volume 40, Issue 2

Soil Particle Size and Shape Distributions by Stereophotography and Image Analysis

CODEN: GTJODJ

Abstract

Image-based soil particle size and shape characterization methods have witnessed great progress in duplicating traditional sieving and manual methods for shape measurement. Nevertheless, some discrepancies between results still existed since the third (vertical) dimension of particles are not attainable from single images. This paper described a simple, effective, and inexpensive stereophotography system to obtain precise 3D surfaces and thus, all three principal dimensions of many sand to gravel particles simultaneously. Advanced image analysis techniques, including improved watershed segmentation, dynamic programing, pyramidal matching, and sub-pixel estimation were used to obtain greater precision and higher computational speeds. Six hundred randomly selected soil particles covering a range of sizes, colors, shapes, and surface roughnesses were tested by the stereophotography system. Excellent agreement was found between the stereo image results when compared to sieving analysis and manual measurement of shapes using calipers.

Author Information

Zheng, J.
Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, US
Hryciw, R.
Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, US
Pages: 12
Price: $25.00
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Stock #: GTJ20160165
ISSN: 0149-6115
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ20160165