Survey and calculation of volumes of fined grained materials using ‘non-contact’ methods

Estimation of product quantity has existed since the earliest stages of construction. Parallel to other activities of construction, quantity estimation has improved with the advancement of technology. This allows for more robust methods of quantifying material. Laser scanning and photogrammetric methods of survey are beginning to supersede the methods of survey to estimate construction materials, being that of data capture via a total station. The major features that make the photogrammetric and laser scanner methods superior are the saturation of data points, the possibility of not having to come into contact with the material being measured and the time saved during field activities. This research aims to develop a method of survey to quantify a fine grained stored material, in an indoor setting, known as cement clinker. Due to the constraints placed upon the chosen site the two foundational survey methods that were research included laser scanning and photogrammetry. During the research it was found that both photogrammetry and laser scanning were appropriate methods of survey for data capture of undulating ground terrain, however, due to the harsh environment of the chosen site, laser scanning was deemed a more appropriate choice. The major constraints placed upon the development of a methodology included: • No access to the area being surveyed, • No control could be positioned within the storage area of the warehouse and • The only access that allowed for line of sight to the material being measured is approximately 150 millimetres in width. In order to complete the objectives and aims a purpose built laser scanner will need to be constructed and the results analysed for their accuracy using 3D software packages. The site chosen for the survey was a Cement Australia warehouse in Port Kembla NSW, Australia and is responsible for storing a material known as Portland Cement Clinker. This study found that a method could be developed that would meet the desired accuracy and could be achieved by staying within the bounds of the limitations placed upon the field work. This project could provide the foundation for obtaining volumes/quantities of fine grained materials being stored in an internal setting