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

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.

Automated summary

Digital image processing is widely used in civil engineering to measure aggregate morphologies. However, its limitations in analyzing only two-dimensional geometric features due to laying style and acquisition method have been overcome by a new laser scanning-based method proposed in this study. The development of three-dimensional morphology indexes has shown promising results in accurately characterizing coarse aggregate morphologies, providing insights for asphalt mixture design and quality control of asphalt pavements.