3D Modeling using LiDAR data and its geological and geotechnical applications

Abstract

3D Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) facilitates survey campaign which is essential step for point cloud data acquisition and further research. IRIS-3D, one typical media of TLS, has been widely applied to comprehensive fields such as commercial survey, engineering, mining and industrial markets. The process of three dimensional surface modeling (3DSM) was elaborated and quantification for different investigative object was illustrated through three case studies. The resolution of laser scanning is various according to the nature variability of object and requirement of further application. Comparison of volume results computed on two platforms of PolyWorks and GOCAD was conducted in case of volume calculation which needs low resolution. Landslide stability was analyzed by using both Limit Equilibrium Method (LEM) and Finite Element Method (FEM) platforms which need profiles or elevation contours generated by 3DSM. This case needs medium resolution. Joint analysis as the third case which needs high resolution was also quantitatively discussed. Three different applications demonstrate visible and potential benefits TLS offers both in geological engineering and geotechnical fields.