A non-contact method of measuring volumes of material on landfill sites.

Abstract

The introduction of Electromagnetic Distance Measurement (EDM) has revolutionised surveying methodology over the past 40 years. Recently, instruments have been developed that are able to measure distances using a laser beam, which eliminates the need for a reflector at the remote end of the distance. Whilst not as accurate as conventional EDM instruments, there are many possible applications in the Civil Engineering industry.

This thesis contains a review of the literature relating to the development of these reflectories instruments and the applications for which they have previously been used. This may be found in Chapter 2. Landfilling was identified as a further potential application and a questionnaire was circulated to landfill operators throughout the United Kingdom. The questionnaire may be found in Appendix A. The responses to the questionnaire confirmed that there was a need for a simple, quick and economical method of monitoring volumes of material deposited on landfill sites. The thesis contains an analysis of the responses and the results of this are discussed in Chapter 3. From this analysis, a number of requirements for the system were produced and these are described in Chapter 4.

Since reflectorless instruments are relatively new and largely untested, comprehensive surveys were carried out to compare their performance with that of the more conventional EDM instruments in relation to volume measurements. The results of these surveys may be found in Chapters 5 and 6.

System specific software was developed in order that the system may be used by people without formal training in surveying and this is described in Chapter 7. Having developed the system it was tested at Howley Park Landfill Site in West Yorkshire and the results of these tests are given in Chapters 8 and 9. It was concluded that the aims and objectives of the project had been met. Although minor improvements may be possible, the system developed in the thesis could be readily used to great advantage in the landfill industry.