3D Reconstruction and morphology analysis of coarse aggregate using optical laser triangulation and image processing technology

Abstract

Digital image processing is commonly used in civil engineering to measure aggregate morphologies. However, it has limitations due to laying style and acquisition method, restricting analysis to two-dimensional geometric features. To overcome this, a new laser scanning-based method is proposed to reconstruct three-dimensional features of coarse aggregates. Three-dimensional morphology indexes are developed, with promising results. This method effectively captures complete surface information and the ratios between axes, surface area rate, and volume rate describe shape, texture, and angularity well. The proposed methodology accurately characterizes coarse aggregate morphologies, aiding asphalt mixture design. Incorporating the developed indexes enables effective quality control of asphalt pavements.

KEYWORDS:

• Road engineering
• aggregate
• morphology
• laser scanning
• image processing technology

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research has been supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (52172392, 51827812, 51778509) and the Hubei Key Research and Development Program (2021BAA180).