Rapid assessment of lower bound bearing strength for foreshore sediments using aerial digital images
Abstract
The goal of the proposed study is to develop and test an approach to derive lower-bound bearing strength of sandy foreshore sediments from aerial digital images. This would allow a rapid estimate of minimum bearing strength, and thus, the potential of the sediment to support vehicles. Rapid assessment of lower bound bearing strength for foreshore sediments using aerial digital images Foreshore sediments at sandy beaches undergo strong variations in sediment transport and water saturation. This leads to variations in grain size distributions, density and saturation which govern the soil mechanical behavior and bearing strength of the foreshore. This effect can be experienced by any beach walker, being able to walk on a stiff surface of high bearing strength, or sinking ankle-deep into sand of low bearing strength. It particularly represents a challenge to the mobility of vehicles trying to move across or along the foreshore. The issue of trafficability at sandy beaches is a major concern for naval operations at the foreshore. Mitigation methods such as reinforcement of the beach using membranes and geotextiles have been investigated by researchers, and different geotechnical test procedures were presented to determine soil strength, and thus, assess trafficability. While such measurements are standard methods, and can easily be performed today, they require the active geomechanical testing of the soil. In many modern navy operations, time and access constrains prohibit the application of these methods. This motivated researchers to investigate how to assess foreshore trafficability remotely. Current approaches aim to determine sediment type and texture remotely, and to derive bearing strength based on these information. However, this may lead to significant deviations and uncertainties in the estimates of bearing strength, as the friction angle of the sediment remains undetermined.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Nov 23, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141612590
Entities
People
- Nina Stark
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- Virginia Tech