Optimizing 3D Laser Scanning Parameters for Early-Stage Defect Detectability in Subgrade Condition Monitoring

Area of Science:

• Geomatics Engineering
• Civil Engineering

Background:

• Terrestrial 3D laser scanning offers superior precision for highway embankment surveys compared to traditional methods.
• Accurate surface smoothness assessment is vital for engineering and infrastructure maintenance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of station location parameters on 3D laser scanning data quality for highway embankments.
• To determine optimal scanning configurations for enhanced accuracy and efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Conducted field experiments varying sampling interval, station distance, and scanning angle.
• Analyzed point cloud density, spatial distribution, laser reflectivity, and surface reconstruction accuracy.
• Evaluated elevation deviations at key points for parameter optimization.

Main Results:

• Point cloud density and surface reconstruction resolution decrease with increased sampling interval, station distance, and scanning angle.
• Scanning angle showed minimal impact on reconstruction fidelity.
• A 0.03 m sampling interval and proximity to the target area provided optimal results.

Conclusions:

• Optimized parameter selection significantly improves data quality and model precision for highway embankment monitoring.
• The proposed approach using terrestrial 3D laser scanning is suitable for reliable condition assessment.
• Balancing measurement accuracy with operational efficiency is achievable through strategic parameter choices.