Discontinuity Analysis Method using Reverse Engineering

The technique, which reproduces the figures of objects from measured data of the objects using 3-D laser scanner, is called reverse engineering. Recently, research studies into applications of reverse engineering to rock engineering are increasing in number, in the discontinuity surveys for rock slopes out of man's reach, or rapid discontinuity surveys for wide range areas. For analysis of discontinuity using reverse engineering, a program for processing point clouds data from the 3-D laser scanner, for sampling from these point clouds data, and finally analyzing the discontinuity is needed. However, existing programs rarely have sufficient functions to properly analyze the discontinuities. In this study, a program was developed, which can automatically sample discontinuities from the point clouds data which measured in a rock slope using a 3-D laser scanner, and which can also undertake statistical analysis of the discontinuities. This developed program was verified by the application of discontinuity surveys in a rock slope and a tunnel. By undertaking the discontinuity survey using a 3-D laser scanner and the developed program, the feasibility and rapidity of such surveys is expected to improve in areas out of man's reach in geotechnical surveys. Taking into consideration the fact that the international level of related techniques is at a rudimentary stage, the possibility of prior occupation of a broad market is also expected.