An image analysis system developed using matlab applied to monitor geotechnical processes

When conducting an experiment in which quantitative measurements of displacements are required it is important that these are obtained with the highest accuracy possible. Often these experiments may require data to be collected remotely. For example, centrifuge model studies where the experiment cannot be accessed for direct measurement or the long term monitoring of slopes and structures where regular measurements are required. The power of modern computers and the development of software means that using digital images to monitor displacements accurately has become economically viable. This paper presents the development of an automated image analysis system using the software package MATLAB and KODAK digital cameras, which has been tested using centrifuge experiments, and has many further applications to geotechnical problems.