Image Analysis and Structural Monitoring of Physical Geotechnical Models Subjected to Seismic Loading

Abstract

In this study, a review is carried out on the advanced use of image analysis and structural monitoring techniques to a series of physical model tests performed at a one degree of freedom force generator. Several scaled slope models with a variety of specific characteristics have been built and tested, aiming to the investigation of real-time measuring systems and in order to examine the behaviour of the geotechnical constructions when subjected to seismic loading. More specifically the Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique and the Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) analysis have been applied on the side face of scaled slope models in order to capture failure mechanisms during seismic loading. Furthermore, optical fibre sensors, recording strain, have been incorporated in the slope models and an accelerometer has been used for the recording of the seismic vibration. The monitoring scheme is presented, the test set up and model making procedure as well as indicative recordings via the utilized techniques. The wide range of applications and the combination of image analysis with other measuring techniques in order to provide comprehensive results about the behavior of the actual geotechnical models is presented. The physical model tests presented in the current study have also high educational interest.