Close Range Photogrammetry In Excavated Volume Estimation

Jeffery Tay Guan Kiat1

1
Undergraduate , Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
2006
______________________________________________________________

This paper presents the method of close range photogrammetry used in excavated
volume estimation. The purpose of introducing close range photogrammetry
method in excavated volume estimation is to increase efficiencies of the
estimation processes as well as the reliability of the result. A study is to be done in
laboratory to investigate the applicability of the photogrammetry in estimating the
excavated volume of soil or rock slope using a physical model. The physical
model assembles the actual slope condition. Photogrammetry procedures were set
up to determine the volume of the excavated materials. Then, a simple verification
test is done to verify the result using close-range photogrammetry. Comparison
between close-range photogrammetry and conventional methods will also be
discussed to prove that close-range photogrammetry can be used as one of the
reliable methods in estimation of excavated materials.
 iii

CLOSE RANGE PHOTOGRAMMETRY IN EXCAVATED VOLUME

ESTIMATION

JEFFERY TAY GUAN KIAT

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA

 iv
PSZ 19:16 (Pind.

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA

BORANG PENGESAHAN STATUS TESIS♦

JUDUL: CLOSE RANGE PHOTOGRAMMETRY IN EXCAVATED

VOLUME ESTIMATION

SESI PENGAJIAN: 2005/2006

Saya JEFFERY TAY GUAN KIAT

(HURUF BESAR)
mengaku membenarkan tesis (PSM/Sarjana/Doktor Falsafah)* ini disimpan di
Perpustakaan Universiti Teknologi Malaysia dengan syarat-syarat kegunaan
seperti berikut:

1. Tesis adalah hakmilik Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

2. Perpustakaan Universiti Teknologi Malaysia dibenarkan membuat salinan
untuk tujuan pengajian sahaja.
3. Perpustakaan dibenarkan membuat salinan tesis ini sebagai bahan
pertukaran antara institusi pengajian tinggi.
4. **Sila tandakan (9)
(Mengandungi maklumat yang berdarjah
SULIT keselamatan atau kepentingan malaysia seperti
yang termaktub di dalam AKTA RAHSIA
(Mengandungi maklumat TERHAD yang telah
TERHAD ditentukan oleh organisasi/badan di mana
Disahkan oleh
9 TIDAK

(TANDATANGAN PENULIS) (TANDATANGAN PENYELIA)

Alamat Tetap:
LOT 247, JALAN ANG CHENG HO,
EN. MOHD FOR MOHD
93100 KUCHING,
SARAWAK Nama Penyelia

Tarikh: 20 APRIL 2006 Tarikh: 20 APRIL 2006

CATATAN: * Potong yang tidak berkenaan.

** Jika tesis ini SULIT atau TERHAD, sila lampirkan surat daripada pihak
berkuasa/organisasi berkenaan dengan menyatakan sekali sebab dan tempoh
tesis ini perlu dikelaskan sebagai SULIT atau TERHAD.
‹ Tesis dimaksudkan sebagai tesis bagi Ijazah Doktor Falsafah dan
Sarjana secara penyelidikan, atau disertasi bagi pengajian
secara kerja kursus dan penyelidikan, atau Laporan Projek
Sarjana Muda (PSM).
 i

“We hereby declare that we have read through this project report and in our
opinion this project report is sufficient in terms of scope and quality for the
award of the degree of Civil Engineering.”

Signature : ……………………………
Name of Supervisor I : En. Mohd For Mohd Amin
Date : 20 April 2006

Signature : …………………………………
Name of Supervisor II : P. M Dr Mushairry Mustaffa
Date : 20 April 2006
CLOSE RANGE PHOTOGRAMMETRY IN EXCAVATED VOLUME
ESTIMATION

JEFFERY TAY GUAN KIAT

A project report submitted in partial fulfilment of the

requirements for the award of the
Bachelor degree of Civil Engineering

Faculty of Civil Engineering

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

APRIL, 2006
 ii

“I declare that this project report entitled Close range photogrammetry in

excavated volume estimation is the result of my own research except as cited in
the references. The project report has not been accepted for any degree and is not
concurrently submitted in candidature of any other degree”.

Signature : ……………………….
Name : Jeffery Tay Guan Kiat
Date : 20 April 2006
 iii

DEDICATION

Specially to my dearest dad, Tay Choon Hui

and beloved mum, Lo Leh Hong,
my brother, Tay Yang Siun, Tay Yang Ee and
one and only sister Tay Jin Ying.
Thank you for the supports and unfailing love.
 iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

In this column of acknowledgements, I would particularly like to express

my sincere appreciation and gratitude to both of my supervisors, Encik Mohd For
Mohd Amin and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mushairry Mustaffa for providing me supports,
noble guidance and valuable advices throughout the period of this Degree Project.

Besides that, I am also grateful to the technicians in the Department of

Geotechnics and Geology of Faculty of Civil Engineering, who put considerable
time and effort in assisting me doing my laboratory works. Without them, I might
not be able to complete all the project so successfully.

Appreciation is also acknowledged to my family and friends for their

moral supports and concerns, and to everyone who has contributing to the success
of this study, either directly or indirectly.
 v

ABSTRACT

Various surveying methods have been used in the estimation of excavated

volume in civil engineering field. Volume estimation on excavated materials is an
important element in civil engineering application and plays the role in the
assessment of the particular project. It is also important in mining industry.
Conventional method for volume estimation includes surveying methods that
consist of data acquisition work on site, plotting and calculating of volume. This
method is tedious and time consuming and often reliance on factors, such as,
weathers and steepness of slope. This study is aimed at studying a method for
mass volume estimation, namely close-range photogrammetry. The purpose of
introducing close range photogrammetry method in excavated volume estimation
is to increase efficiencies of the estimation processes as well as the reliability of
the result. A study is to be done in laboratory to investigate the applicability of the
photogrammetry in estimating the excavated volume of soil or rock slope using a
physical model. The physical model assembles the actual slope condition.
Photogrammetry procedures were set up to determine the volume of the excavated
materials. Then, a simple verification test is done to verify the result using close-
range photogrammetry. Comparison between close-range photogrammetry and
conventional methods will also be discussed to prove that close-range
photogrammetry can be used as one of the reliable methods in estimation of
excavated materials.
 vi

ABSTRAK

Dalam bidang kejuruteraan awam, pelbagai cara telah digunakan dalam

penganggaran isipadu terkorek baik dalam pemotongan cerun tanah mahupun
batuan. Penganggaran isipadu terkorek adalah penting dalam aplikasi bidang
kejuruteraan terutamanya, dalam kerja tanah dan activiti perlombongan.
Penganggaran isipadu terkorek secara konvensional mempunyai beberapa
masalahnya. Antaranya, kaedah ukur tanah konvensional memakan masa dan
tenaga yang ekstensif selain banyak bergantung kepada faktor-faktor lain seperti
cuaca dan kecondongan cerun. Dalam projek ini, penumpuan akan diberi kepada
cadangan suatu kaedah penganggaran isipadu terkorek baru iaitu, applikasi
fotogrammetri jarak dekat. Tujuan cadangan fotogrametri jarak dekat dalam
anggaran isipadu terkorek ini adalah untuk meningkatkan effiensi dalam process
kerja ukur selain menghasilkan keputusan yang lebih jitu. Ujikaji projek ini akan
berdasarkan model fizikal bersimulasikan keadaan cerun sebenar. Ujikaji ini
dijalankan mengikut prosedur fotogrametri jarak dekat. Keputusan ujikaji akan
dibincangkan bagi menentukan kesesuaian dan kebolehgunaan aplikasi
fotogrametri jarak dekat dalam penganggaran isipadu terkorek.
 vii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER TITLE PAGE

TITLE PAGE i
DECLARATION ii
DEDICATION iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iv
ABSTRACT v
ABSTRAK vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS vii
LIST OF TABLES x
LIST OF FIGURES xi
LIST OF SYMBOLS xii

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 Problem Statement 2
1.3 Objectives 2
1.4 Scope of Research 3
1.5 Methods of Research 3
 viii

CHAPTER II LITERATUR E REVIEW 4

2.1 Introduction 4
2.2 Volume Estimation 5
2.3 Field Works for Data Acqusition 6
2.3.1 Traverse Survey 6
2.3.2 Tacheometry Survey 8
2.4 Volume Calculation Methods 9
2.4.1 Cross-sectional Method 10
2.4.2 Contour-area Method 10
2.5 Photogrammetry 10
2.5.1 Introduction of Photogrammetry 11
2.5.2 Major Fields in Photogrammetry 12
2.5.3 Close Range Photogrammetry 13
2.5.4 Components of Close Range
Photogrammetry Proceses 13
2.5.5 Advantages and Disadvantages 14
2.5.6 Principles of Close Range
Photogrammetry 16
2.5.7 Solution for X, Y Z Coordinates 17
2.5.8 Close Range Photogrammetry Controls 18
2.5.9 Image Acquisition 19
2.5.9.1 Metric Cameras 20
2.5.9.2 Non-metric Cameras 20
2.5.9.3 Principle Distant 21
2.6 Fundamental of Digital Photogrammetry 22
2.6.1 Conventional and Digital Images 23
2.6.2 Digital Photogrammetry 23
 ix

CHAPTER III METHODOLOGY 23

3.1 Introduction 23
3.2 Preparation of Physical Model 25
3.3 Calibration of Camera D70 28
3.4 Volume Estimation Process 31
3.4.1 Image Acquisition 32
3.4.2 Image Measurement and 3-D Data 35
3.4.3 Formation of 3-D Modelling and
Volume Calculation 36

CHAPTER IV RESULTS AND ANALYSIS 37

4.1 Introduction 37
4.2 Camera Calibration Test 37
4.3 3-D Surface Formation 39
4.4 Volume Calculation of Physical Model 42
4.5 Verification Test 43
4.6 Discussion 44

CHAPTER V CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 46

5.1 Conclusion 46
5.2 Recommendations 47

REFERENCES 48
 x

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE NO. TITLE PAGE

4.1 Camera calibration result 38

4.2 Result for Slope Test 1 42
4.3 Result for Slope Test 2 42
4.4 Result from verification test 44
 xi

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE NO. TITLE PAGE

2.1 Open Traverse 7

2.2 Close Traverse 7
2.3 A fixed angle with a variable length observation 9
2.4 Collinearity Equation illustration 16
3.1 Flowchart of laboratory studies 24
3.2 Dimension of laboratory physical model 25
3.3 Installation of horizontal grid lines 26
3.4 Horizontal grid lines with 15cm intervals 26
3.5 Inserting sticks to position the interest points 26
3.6 Completed frame of laboratory physical model 27
3.7 Interest points of the physical model installed using
reflective stickers 27
3.8 Calibration frame 29
3.9 Position of camera D70 to acquire image 29
3.10 Images taken from four sides of the calibration frame
with a horizontal and vertical images on each side of
the calibration frame 30
3.11 Photogrammetric processes 31
3.12 Nikon D70 camera 32
3.13 The pair of Nikon D70 installed on the steel bar 33
3.14a The cameras positioned in front of the physical model 34
3.14b Image acquisition of the physical model process 34
3.15 Image taken from Camera A loaded into Australis 6.04 35
3.16 Image taken from camera B loaded into Australis 6.04 35
 xii

4.1 3-Dimensional surface of Slope Test 1 40

4.2 3-Dimensional surface of Slope Test 2 41
4.3 The verification test using a cardboard with
reflective grid points 43
 13

LIST OF SYMBOLS

f - Focal length, principle distant

D - Diameter
L - Length
W - Width
mji - Rotation Metrics
Xa - X coordinate of photogrammetry
Ya - Y coordinate of photogrammetry
XL, YL, ZL - Coordinate of camera
XA, YA, ZA - Coordinate of object space
Θ - Angle of elevation
k - Radial rotation of lens
 14

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

One of the scopes of work in construction is volume estimation on excavated

materials. It has been an important part in the assessment of the particular site for the
purpose of planning and costing. Conventional method for volume estimation
includes surveying methods that consist of data acquisition work on site, plotting and
calculating of volume. This method is tedious and time consuming.

This study is aimed at studying and comparing an alternative method for

mass volume estimation, namely close-range photogrammetry. Comparison between
close-range photogrammetry and conventional methods was made to prove that
close-range photogrammetry can be used as one of the reliable methods in estimation
of excavated materials. This will help to reduce the time and cost incurred in the
process of estimating the volume of excavation at site.
 15

1.2 Problem statement

Photogrammetry is a method of making a non-contact and rapid spatial

measurement. Photogrammetry is now widely practiced in various engineering and
scientific disciplines such as biomedical science and surgeries where precision
measurements are essentials. Besides that, photogrammetry is also applied in traffic
documentation in police departments. Recent developments have enable close-range
photogrammetry to be used in a wide range of civil engineering works such as
monitoring deformation in structural elements as well as investigation of road surface
roughness. The wide range of application of photogrammetry is due to the less
complexity and yet providing acceptable accuracy.

1.3 Objectives

The main objectives of this project are :

1. To understand the principles and elements of photogrammetry that is

related to the process of volume estimation.
2. To verify the use of close-range photogrammetry in volume estimation using
laboratory physical model.
3. To develop a systematic procedure for measuring of excavation using
close range photogrammetry.
 16

1.4 Scope of research

1. Utilization of close range photogrammetry in volume estimation.

2. Method and procedures for estimating the volume for excavated mass.
3. Verification of methods using laboratory physical model.

1.5 Methods of study

In order to achieve the objective of this project, a few approaches have been
taken:

1. Literature review on various sources such as journals, books, articles, internet

as well as discussion with experts from the field of surveying and geology.

2. Laboratory experiments on a physical model as to verify the suitability of the

method.
 17

CHAPTER II

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

In this chapter, a comprehensive review on elements and principles of close

range photogrammetry for the purpose of volume estimation. The review ranging
from the fundamental theories, procedures as well as the restrictions in
photogrammetry.
 18

2.2 Volume estimation

According to Shepard (1981), volume estimation in construction field is a

mathematical sequence of data manipulation and calculation to produce an
estimation of a mass volume.

Surveyors are often called upon to measure the volumes of earthwork and
rock mass for various types of construction projects. Conventional volume measuring
methods are often tedious and time-consuming. The field works involve running
preliminary center lines, getting cross-sectional data and making slope-stake and
other measurements on long route surveys.

Volume calculation and estimation in rock mass serves a wide range of

purposes. One of the main purposes is to obtain the quantities of excavation, and
filling as well as other earthworks activities. This quantity will be later included into
a schedule or bill of quantities which is to be stated in the contract. The volume
obtained will also be reviewed for the purpose of payment at the later stage of the
project. Early acknowledgement of the volume of excavation at a proposed site will
also help engineers and project manager to proceed with designing works, such as
determining suitable formation levels. Thus, estimating overall embankments or
excavation required for the site.
 19

2.3 Field works for data acquisition

To enable volume estimation of a particular mass, first it is important to

obtain data of the particular site. (Sheperd, 1983). This data include various points
and height and angle on the actual surface. It is important to get as much point as
possible to ensure the calculation represents the actual size of the rack mass observed.

Conventional data acquisition involves field works and surveying. Various

measurement techniques are employed to collect information needed. The data is
then plotted to produce the contour of the arc. Survey team consists of a few
members that set out on a task to obtain the data. Surveying works also involve
equipment and instrument to obtain the data.

2.3.1 Traverse survey

Once the mass for excavation have been identified, a few control points
surrounding the slope are the employed to provide the data with a reference. This can
be done by commencing traverse survey. It is important to maintain good accuracy of
work at this stage because subsequent surveying works rely on this step. The types of
traverse survey ,open or close traverse, depend on the condition of the slope that are
to be measured. Both open and close traverse are shown in Figure 2.1 and Figure 2.2.
 20

Figure 2.1 : Open Traverse

Figure 2.2 : Close traverse

 21

2.3.2 Tacheometry survey

Tacheometric survey (Sheperd, 1983), is mainly used in surveying detail in a

selected are. In rock mass estimation, it is used to obtain various points on the
selected slope. The are two forms of tacheometry alternative that is used in obtaining
data :

(a) A fixed angle with a variable length observed

(b) A fixed length with variable angle observed

Conventional data collection for rock volume usually employs the method
first method to provide necessary information of the slope. This is because the
irregular surface of the rock makes it difficult for survey team to take random points
at different height.

The first method, the theodolite or EDM electromagnet distance measurement

is set up at a control point to take as many information as possible. For each angle, a
line of points with known distance is made across the surface of the rock. Then
another angle is projected make another line. With adequate horizontal and vertical
control, provided by traversing and leveling, the height and angle of these point can
be calculated and plot into contours.
 22

Front view

Rock mass

Plane view

Figure 2.3 : A fixed angle with a variable length observed

2.4 Volume calculation methods

Direct measurement of volumes is rarely made in surveying, since it is

difficult to actually apply a unit of material involved. So an indirect method of
measurement is conducted to obtain desirable rock mass volume. These are done by
setting up lines and areas using theodolite or rather total station which are more
advance nowadays. There are two types of measuring methods that are generally
adopted; the cross-sectional method, and the contour-area method.
 23

2.4.1 Cross-sectional method

This is the most common method of determining quantities of mass rock

volume. The total volume of rock mass is divided into a series of solids by the cross-
sections. From the fieldwork data, the cross-section are usually plotted with a natural
scale to the slopes which excavation work will be executed. Thus, the cubic content
of the solids contained between any pair of adjacent cross-sections may be calculated.
Finally, the total volume of the rock mass can be determined by summing all the
volume of each cross-section.

2.4.2 Contour- area method

In this method, a team of field party will set out on a tacheometric effort to
acquire data comprising of height and distance of various spot on proposed rock
mass. Total station application is important to provide accurate and a set of large data.
The fieldwork data will be plotted onto a graph and then contour lines will be drawn
to provide various layers of mass with the similar height. By calculating the area
between two contour line, the volume of each layer can be identified. Thus, summing
the volume of each layer, an overall estimation of the rock mass may be known.