White Paper

Digital Image Correlation (DIC) is a full-field image analysis method which employs high resolution digital cameras to track displacement occurring on the surface of an object. It has gained recognition for the potential that it possesses for several industries, not least among them the construction industry. 

This white paper focuses on potential applications for the construction industry drawing on examples of previous testing applications and highlighting the advantages DIC offers over conventional structural and materials testing methods.

The non-contacting 3D measurement system can be used to create full-field strain and displacement maps which can then be converted into video footage for further examination. With current developments in optical measurement systems and computer analysis techniques, the use of DIC, in conjunction with traditional measurement techniques, is set to increase greatly over the coming years.

Traditionally, to examine strain and displacement, strain gauges and Linear Variable Differential Transducers (LVDTs) are placed on the surface of a specimen at the points of interest. However, if a large or complex specimen needs to be analysed, accurate placement of the devices can be problematic. Traditional point-based testing methods only receive input from a limited amount of data points. The ability to forego strain gauges and LVDTs offers a distinct advantage to the DIC user and allows full-field 3D analysis to be carried out on objects.