The article describes an innovative survey methodology through the use of optical survey camera OPTV (Borehole Digital Optical Televiewer). This camera allows us to record the borehole wall colour image at 360° and to keep the orientation with respect to the North. Through the use of OPTV surveys, the fractures present in the rocky mass can be recognized via means of sinusoidal curves readable on the image. From the abovementioned curves, it is then possible to assume the inclination, immersion, and thickness of the discontinuities. Furthermore, from the virtual core, it is possible to analyze the lithological changes and the commodities varieties characterizing the site. On the basis of the above-mentioned information, 3D models can be then created through innovative technologies, so to visualize the geological and geotechnical models in an easier way to read and understand. The mapped fractures can be integrated with the most modern techniques of Discrete Elements Numerical modeling, utilizing the dimensions, orientation, and positioning values during the model realization phase. Through practical examples of representations of the collected data, the survey methodology is described in detail in the article, together with the used technologies and the potentialities of the acquired information exploitable during the interpretation phase. The proposed methodology approach allows a better digital management of the data, encouraging a more completed and easier usage of the information with clear application potentialities in the field of rock mechanics and when facing geotechnical challenges.
Knowledge of rock fracturing is very important in all problems of rock mechanics and geotechnics. The optical camera for OPTV surveys (borehole digital optical televiewer) allows to continuously record the 360° image of the walls of the borehole, oriented towards the north. Fractures are recognizable by sinusoidal curves visible on the image, from which it is possible to obtain the values of inclination, immersion and opening of the discontinuities.
From the virtual cores it is also possible to derive the lithological changes and the product varieties that characterize them. Modern computer aids allow us to use this information to reconstruct and visualize geological and commodity models in three dimensions, so as to make them easier to read and understand. This article offers a brief description of this survey methodology in continuous technological progress, reporting some examples of application and representation of the processed data.