W.A. Take

Bio: W.A. Take is an academic researcher from Queen's University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Geosynthetic clay liner & Geomembrane. The author has an hindex of 29, co-authored 74 publications receiving 3528 citations. Previous affiliations of W.A. Take include University of Cambridge & Stantec.

Soil deformation measurement using particle image velocimetry (PIV) and photogrammetry

Abstract: A deformation measurement system based on particle image velocimetry (PIV) and close-range photogrammetry has been developed for use in geotechnical testing. In this paper, the theory underlying this system is described, and the performance is validated. Digital photography is used to capture images of planar soil deformation. Using PIV, the movement of a fine mesh of soil patches is measured to a high precision. Since PIV operates on the image texture, intrusive target markers need not be installed in the observed soil. The resulting displacement vectors are converted from image space to object space using a photogrammetric transformation. A series of validation experiments are reported. These demonstrate that the precision, accuracy and resolution of the system are an order of magnitude higher than previous image-based deformation methods, and are comparable to local instrumentation used in element testing. This performance is achieved concurrent with an order of magnitude increase in the number of meas...

Improved image-based deformation measurement for geotechnical applications

Abstract: This paper describes and benchmarks a new implementation of image-based deformation measurement for geotechnical applications. The updated approach combines a range of advances in image analysis al...

Evaluation of landslide triggering mechanisms in model fill slopes

Abstract: Hong Kong is particularly susceptible to landslide risk due to the steep natural topography and prolonged periods of high intensity rainfall. Compounding the risk of slope failure is the existence of loose fill slopes which were constructed prior to the 1970’s by end-tipping. A clear understanding of the underlying triggering mechanisms of fast landslides in fill slopes is required to analyse landslide risk and to optimise slope stabilisation strategies. The work described here had the objective of evaluating two candidate triggering mechanisms—static liquefaction and the transition from slide to flow due to localised transient pore water pressures—against observations of slope behaviour obtained from highly instrumented centrifuge model tests. These results indicate that static liquefaction is unlikely to occur if the model fill is unsaturated and the depth to bedrock large, as the high compressibility and mobility of air in the unsaturated void spaces allows the model fill slope to accommodate wetting collapse without initiating undrained failure. In contrast, high-speed failures with low-angle run-outs are shown to be easily triggered in model fill slopes from initially slow moving slips driven by localised transient pore water pressures arising from constricted seepage and material layering.

Earth pressures on unyielding retaining walls of narrow backfill width

Abstract: Arching theory predicts a significant reduction in earth pressures behind retaining walls of narrow backfill width. An extensive series of centrifuge tests has been performed to evaluate the use of flexible subminiature pressure cells in the centrifuge environment and their subsequent use to measure lateral earth pressures behind retaining walls of narrow backfill width. Although the flexible earth pressure cells exhibit hysteresis and nonlinear calibration behaviour, the extensive calibration studies indicate that stiff diaphragm type earth pressure cells may be used with replicate models to measure earth pressures. Measurements of lateral pressures acting on the unyielding model retaining walls show good agreement with Janssen's arching theory. Tests on backfills bounded by vertical planes of dissimilar frictional characteristics indicate arching theory with an average interface friction angle provides a reasonable estimate of lateral earth pressures.Key words: fascia retaining walls, silos, earth press...

Two-dimensional digital image correlation for in-plane displacement and strain measurement: a review

Abstract: As a practical and effective tool for quantitative in-plane deformation measurement of a planar object surface, two-dimensional digital image correlation (2D DIC) is now widely accepted and commonly used in the field of experimental mechanics. It directly provides full-field displacements to sub-pixel accuracy and full-field strains by comparing the digital images of a test object surface acquired before and after deformation. In this review, methodologies of the 2D DIC technique for displacement field measurement and strain field estimation are systematically reviewed and discussed. Detailed analyses of the measurement accuracy considering the influences of both experimental conditions and algorithm details are provided. Measures for achieving high accuracy deformation measurement using the 2D DIC technique are also recommended. Since microscale and nanoscale deformation measurement can easily be realized by combining the 2D DIC technique with high-spatial-resolution microscopes, the 2D DIC technique should find more applications in broad areas.

Soil deformation measurement using particle image velocimetry (PIV) and photogrammetry

Abstract: A deformation measurement system based on particle image velocimetry (PIV) and close-range photogrammetry has been developed for use in geotechnical testing. In this paper, the theory underlying this system is described, and the performance is validated. Digital photography is used to capture images of planar soil deformation. Using PIV, the movement of a fine mesh of soil patches is measured to a high precision. Since PIV operates on the image texture, intrusive target markers need not be installed in the observed soil. The resulting displacement vectors are converted from image space to object space using a photogrammetric transformation. A series of validation experiments are reported. These demonstrate that the precision, accuracy and resolution of the system are an order of magnitude higher than previous image-based deformation methods, and are comparable to local instrumentation used in element testing. This performance is achieved concurrent with an order of magnitude increase in the number of meas...

Theory of cross-correlation analysis of PIV images : Image analysis as measuring technique in flows

Abstract: To improve the performance of particle image velocimetry in measuring instantaneous velocity fields, direct cross-correlation of image fields can be used in place of auto-correlation methods of interrogation of double- or multiple-exposure recordings. With improved speed of photographic recording and increased resolution of video array detectors, cross-correlation methods of interrogation of successive single-exposure frames can be used to measure the separation of pairs of particle images between successive frames. By knowing the extent of image shifting used in a multiple-exposure and by a priori knowledge of the mean flow-field, the cross-correlation of different sized interrogation spots with known separation can be optimized in terms of spatial resolution, detection rate, accuracy and reliability.

Root elongation, water stress, and mechanical impedance: a review of limiting stresses and beneficial root tip traits

Abstract: Root elongation in drying soil is generally limited by a combination of mechanical impedance and water stress. Relationships between root elongation rate, water stress (matric potential), and mechanical impedance (penetration resistance) are reviewed, detailing the interactions between these closely related stresses. Root elongation is typically halved in repacked soils with penetrometer resistances >0.8‐2 MPa, in the absence of water stress. Root elongation is halved by matric potentials drier than about ‐0.5 MPa in the absence of mechanical impedance. The likelihood of each stress limiting root elongation is discussed in relation to the soil strength characteristics of arable soils. A survey of 19 soils, with textures ranging from loamy sand to silty clay loam, found that ;10% of penetration resistances were >2 MPa at a matric potential of ‐10 kPa, rising to nearly 50% >2 MPa at ‐ 200 kPa. This suggests that mechanical impedance is often a major limitation to root elongation in these soils even under moderately wet conditions, and is important to consider in breeding programmes for drought-resistant crops. Root tip traits that may improve root penetration are considered with respect to overcoming the external (soil) and internal (cell wall) pressures resisting elongation. The potential role of root hairs in mechanically anchoring root tips is considered theoretically, and is judged particularly relevant to roots growing in biopores or from a loose seed bed into a compacted layer of soil.