A Novel Image-Capturing Technique for the Experimental Study of Soil Deformations During Compaction

Abstract A method is described here for the monitoring of two layers of moist sandy-loam soil under compaction, where a flatbed scanner is used to capture large images of the deforming material. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) is used to track the movements of groups of particles within the soil. Due to their insufficient surface texture, PIV cannot be used on clayey soils. Therefore, to allow the analysis to take place, a novel use of a transparent clay is made whereby an artificial soil comprising transparent clay, sand and gravel is created to approximate the moist sandy loam soil. The design of a suitable compaction chamber and tests to determine optimal PIV parameters are discussed. The suitability and applicability of the use of a flatbed scanner are discussed and results are shown to confirm the success of the scanning method.