Large field-of-view deformation measurement for transmission tower based on close-range photogrammetry

The loading capacity of transmission towers cannot be calculated accurately only by finite element analysis (FEA) method. Traditional displacement sensors and strain gauges are not suit due to larger measuring range. In this paper, a novel system based on close-range photogrammetry technology (CPT) is proposed for tracking the 3D deformation of transmission tower during loading test. Artificial markers are pasted on the deformation area before loading. The 3D coordinates of these markers are reconstructed by using CPT methods at each stage, and the coordinate systems of different stages are registered together by means of global transformation points. The whole field 3D deformation under different load level is then obtained by tracking the homonymous markers among different stages. It is helpful for further analysis of the failure mechanism and mechanical properties of steel structures. The effectiveness of the proposed system is demonstrated by retrieving a full-scaled transmission tower deformation during loading test. A feasible solution for improving the load carrying capacity of the tested transmission tower is discussed. Evaluation experiment results indicate that the proposed method could achieve accuracy of 0.1 mm/m.

► A novel 3D deformation measurement system called XJTUSD is proposed.
► The key technologies of the proposed system are discussed in detail.
► The effectiveness of our system is demonstrated by evaluation experiment.
► A feasible solution for improving load carrying capacity of the tower is discussed.