Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

The medium range laser scanning equipment, requested by Hutchinson and Diederichs, will add important and valuable functionality to the Geotechnical Imaging and Sensing Laboratory, Geological Engineering, Queen's University. Building on the research initiated with the short range (80m) laser scanner funded during the last round of RTI awards, this scanner will extend high resolution data acquisition to at least 1.3 km. The equipment requested will be used by graduate and NSERC URA funded undergraduate students working with the applicants. Applicant Hutchinson requires knowledge of the detailed geometry and deformation of slopes, and the infrastructure at the toe of slopes, for research on slope failure and risk assessment. Applicant Diederichs requires detailed geometry of large underground excavations and tunnel portals to examine rock failure mechanisms and deformation rates. Both applicants and their students will use the data to calibrate numerical models to be used to simulate and assess expected behaviour of the structures in the future. Acquisition of this type of data from third parties is not financially viable.   The laser scanning equipment requested provides a highly accurate, three dimensional surface model of objects within the line of sight. With the enhanced range option, made available recently, scanning rockmasses at 1.3 km distance is possible. At this distance, the data is at 22cm spacing or 20 points/sq m, providing good resolution for assessment of geomechanical structures and features. The ability to scan from such a large distance makes a variety of cross-valley survey set up locations possible, allowing fully three dimensional models of complex structures to be built. The addition of the high resolution digital camera mount and alignment software results in true colour photo mapping to the point cloud, allowing realistic rock structure visualization, making rapid analysis much more accurate. The speed, accuracy and portability of the equipment facilitate repeated surveys. Comparison of the sequence of images provides a very precise measure of the geometry and deformation rate of the structure, and of the source and deposition zone of failed material.