Stockpile Volumetrics
Using photogrammetry, drones can be used to accurately measure the size and volume of worksite stockpiles.
It is common on construction jobsites to find stockpiles, or mounds of raw material used in the building of roads or buildings. Stockpiles can be made of gravel, dirt, wood chips or many other types of materials.
Soil stockpile on job site
Another construction technique related to stockpiles is known as surcharging. This is where softer soils are compacted prior to construction by a uniform stockpile (the surcharge), literally a weight of dirt that rests on top of the soft soil. Here is a graphic depicting a surcharge setup. For more on surcharging, click here .
Table depicting setback limits for a surcharge adjacent to a trench by type of vehicle.
To accurately measure volume of stockpiles and surcharges, drones can be a useful tool. The steps are relatively simple.
- Gather imagery (shot at oblique angles to capture both vertical and horizontal dimensions).
One of several images of a workplace stockpile gathered on a single drone mission. Note the Ground Control Point (GCP) at the left side of the photo.
2. Build a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) using software such as Agisoft Metashape.
Digital Elevation Model showing several worksite stockpiles
3. Once a 3-dimensional model of the stockpile(s) is built, use the software's calculation tools to measure the volume of the pile.
The Measure Shape tool in Agisoft Metashape showing the volume of Stockpile 5 in cubic meters
Measuring stockpile volume is a simple, quick and straightforward application of drone technology to serve a useful construction purpose.
Orthomosaic of worksite showing individual stockpiles
References:
