Digital image correlation method: a versatile tool for engineering and art structures investigations

Abstract

Optics as the enabling technology is applied in many applications of engineering, medicine, multimedia and conservation of cultural heritage. Most of these applications require close cooperation with the end user and often they enforce modification and enhancement of an optical tool. In the paper we show how optical metrology, specifically the application of digital image correlation method is implemented to two completely different tasks: performing preoperating tests of low cost building structures subjected to loading conditions which simulate the natural load e.g. introduced by the weight of snow and monitoring of canvas paintings for tracking humidity-induced deformations, which may appear in museum (or other location of a piece of art e.g. church). The presented examples are the background for a general discussion on different measurement scenarios with application of DIC method, as well as the required enhancements and modifications which have been introduced.