Evaluation of Photogrammetric Methods for Displacement Measurement During Structural Load Testing

The safety and longevity of engineering structures depend on precise and timely monitoring, especially during load testing inspections. Conventional displacement measurement methods—such as LVDT sensors, GNSS, RTS, and levels—each present benefits and limitations in terms of accuracy, applicability,...

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Main Authors: Ante Marendić, Dubravko Gajski, Ivan Duvnjak, Rinaldo Paar
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Remote Sensing
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/17/15/2569
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author Ante Marendić
Dubravko Gajski
Ivan Duvnjak
Rinaldo Paar
author_facet Ante Marendić
Dubravko Gajski
Ivan Duvnjak
Rinaldo Paar
author_sort Ante Marendić
collection DOAJ
description The safety and longevity of engineering structures depend on precise and timely monitoring, especially during load testing inspections. Conventional displacement measurement methods—such as LVDT sensors, GNSS, RTS, and levels—each present benefits and limitations in terms of accuracy, applicability, and practicality. Photogrammetry has emerged as a promising alternative, offering non-contact measurement, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability in challenging environments. This study investigates the potential of photogrammetric methods for determining structural displacements during load testing in real-world conditions where such approaches remain underutilized. Two photogrammetric techniques were tested: (1) a single-image homography-based approach, and (2) a multi-image bundle block adjustment (BBA) approach using both UAV and tripod-mounted imaging platforms. Displacement results from both methods were compared against reference measurements obtained by traditional LVDT sensors and robotic total station. The study evaluates the influence of different camera systems, image acquisition techniques, and processing methods on the overall measurement accuracy. The findings suggest that the photogrammetric method, especially when optimized, can provide reliable displacement data with sub-millimeter accuracy, highlighting their potential as a viable alternative or complement to established geodetic and sensor-based approaches in structural testing.
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spelling doaj-art-f3487f6169dc4e07b4ba0a5a4b3b2de52025-08-20T04:00:51ZengMDPI AGRemote Sensing2072-42922025-07-011715256910.3390/rs17152569Evaluation of Photogrammetric Methods for Displacement Measurement During Structural Load TestingAnte Marendić0Dubravko Gajski1Ivan Duvnjak2Rinaldo Paar3Faculty of Geodesy, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, CroatiaFaculty of Geodesy, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, CroatiaFaculty of Civil Engineering, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, CroatiaFaculty of Geodesy, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, CroatiaThe safety and longevity of engineering structures depend on precise and timely monitoring, especially during load testing inspections. Conventional displacement measurement methods—such as LVDT sensors, GNSS, RTS, and levels—each present benefits and limitations in terms of accuracy, applicability, and practicality. Photogrammetry has emerged as a promising alternative, offering non-contact measurement, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability in challenging environments. This study investigates the potential of photogrammetric methods for determining structural displacements during load testing in real-world conditions where such approaches remain underutilized. Two photogrammetric techniques were tested: (1) a single-image homography-based approach, and (2) a multi-image bundle block adjustment (BBA) approach using both UAV and tripod-mounted imaging platforms. Displacement results from both methods were compared against reference measurements obtained by traditional LVDT sensors and robotic total station. The study evaluates the influence of different camera systems, image acquisition techniques, and processing methods on the overall measurement accuracy. The findings suggest that the photogrammetric method, especially when optimized, can provide reliable displacement data with sub-millimeter accuracy, highlighting their potential as a viable alternative or complement to established geodetic and sensor-based approaches in structural testing.https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/17/15/2569structural monitoringload testingdisplacement measurementphotogrammetryUAVLinear Variable Differential Transformers
spellingShingle Ante Marendić
Dubravko Gajski
Ivan Duvnjak
Rinaldo Paar
Evaluation of Photogrammetric Methods for Displacement Measurement During Structural Load Testing
Remote Sensing
structural monitoring
load testing
displacement measurement
photogrammetry
UAV
Linear Variable Differential Transformers
title Evaluation of Photogrammetric Methods for Displacement Measurement During Structural Load Testing
title_full Evaluation of Photogrammetric Methods for Displacement Measurement During Structural Load Testing
title_fullStr Evaluation of Photogrammetric Methods for Displacement Measurement During Structural Load Testing
title_full_unstemmed Evaluation of Photogrammetric Methods for Displacement Measurement During Structural Load Testing
title_short Evaluation of Photogrammetric Methods for Displacement Measurement During Structural Load Testing
title_sort evaluation of photogrammetric methods for displacement measurement during structural load testing
topic structural monitoring
load testing
displacement measurement
photogrammetry
UAV
Linear Variable Differential Transformers
url https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/17/15/2569
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AT dubravkogajski evaluationofphotogrammetricmethodsfordisplacementmeasurementduringstructuralloadtesting
AT ivanduvnjak evaluationofphotogrammetricmethodsfordisplacementmeasurementduringstructuralloadtesting
AT rinaldopaar evaluationofphotogrammetricmethodsfordisplacementmeasurementduringstructuralloadtesting