Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU), NHERI 2022: Image Analysis of Settlement-Induced Cracking in Centrifuge Models

Image analysis is becoming more commonly used to observe, gather, and understand meaningful information from natural hazards such as slope failures, dam failures, and landslides. Traditionally, the initial and final positions of points are known in a test, but with advanced software, it is possible to gather continuous data on a point on the surface. Three tests are conducted using high-speed cameras and image analysis software to extract information from a recording, such as 3D stereophotogrammetry and 3D displacements. The results are analyzed by comparing experimental data collected via software to physical measurements, to then determine software reliability and accuracy for a centrifuge levee model test.