Measuring vertical displacement using laser lines and cameras

Measuring displacements in model tests typically involves contact-based sensors such as linear potentiometers, where contact between two moving parts occurs at the sensing point. The sensor's finite mass, limited stiffness of beams and clamping mechanism, slippage hinging sensor body could affect object's response lead to measurement errors. Also, physical mounting rack required hold these often obstructs view makes significant areas unavailable for conducting some other essential investigations. advancement high-speed, high-resolution reasonably priced rugged cameras it feasible obtain better displacement measurements by image analysis. This paper introduces a non-contact method that works video recording projection laser lines on test object measure static dynamic vertical displacements. technique produces continuous settlement distribution along line passing through multiple objects interest. presents theory converting images new method's validity is demonstrated comparing results from techniques: hand measurements, potentiometers three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry.