Feasibility Study for the Fine Crack Width Estimation of Concrete Structures Based on Fiducial Markers

Abstract

Crack width estimation through remote imaging and digital image processing are the leading diagnostic technologies used for infrastructure. However, owing to limitations in the accuracy of these techniques, alternative methods to detect target crack widths larger than the diagnostic standard are being developed. In this study, the coordinates of fiducial markers were extracted using the Harris corner detector, and fine crack widths of approximately 0.3 mm or less were estimated using the ground sample distance, varied numbers of adjusted pixels, and varied focal lengths. The results of these examinations were compared with the measured values. As a result, it was confirmed that the number of pixels rather than the ground sample distance was the dominant factor affecting the accuracy of the estimated value, and the accuracy could be improved by adjusting the number of pixels, increasing the focal length, and ensuring an effective object distance. The results showed the feasibility of estimating fine crack widths with a high accuracy through the fiducial-marker-based method under the aforementioned conditions. In the future, if the number of crack samples is increased and more detailed focal length and object distance data are supported, this method may provide estimations with a higher accuracy.