LAUSR

Abstract Geometric imperfections are one of the key factors that significantly affect the mechanical behavior and performance of steel members. A new measurement method, i.e., three-dimensional (3D) laser scanning, is employed to measure the sectional dimensions and geometric imperfections of totaling 61 box-T section steel columns. The detailed procedures of data processing of the point clouds are presented, and outlines of T-sections, box webs, and box corners are recognized individually by a feasible algorithm. A methodology is developed to calculate the sectional dimensions based on the recognized sectional outlines, including plate thickness of T-sections, flange width and web height of T-sections, box width, and radius of the box corner. Finally, further calculation approaches for the global and local imperfections are formulated by comparing the recognized sectional outlines with the ideal section. The main objective of this paper is to develop feasible methodologies to process the 3D scanning data of steel members and to provide a new method to record the sectional dimensions and geometric imperfections, which can be further applied in the finite element analysis and structure detection test.