Natural Resources Conservation Service Software Introduction: Split Desktop Version 3.0 Kerry M. Robinson Hydraulic Engineer, ENTSC

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Software Introduction: Split Desktop Version 3.0

Kerry M. RobinsonHydraulic Engineer, ENTSC


Objective Overview rock sizing software capabilities

and limitations

Natural Resources Conservation ServiceRedirective TechniquesRedirective Techniques


Drop Structures/ Grade controlDrop Structures/ Grade control


Stream Channel Stabilization and

Restoration Projects

Stream Channel Stabilization and

Restoration Projects


We have many methods to design rock treatments.


How do you insure that delivered rock meets your specification?


Test pile ASTM Sieve Analysis Weight Experience Others?


Why use this proprietary software?

SafetySpeedReduce subjectivityImprove quality controlFeedback to rock supplier

The software is not cheap. It costsabout $8000 per fully licensed copy.


How does it work? Take a digital photo with scaling object(s) in

the photograph. Process the photograph with this software.


How does it work? Software automatically delineates or identifies

edges of rock fragments. You scale the known size object.


ResultsSoftware provides a

median rock size (D50)

and a sample gradation


Assumptions

The surface material is representative of the material underneath.

Your photo sample is representative.


Fines AssumptionFor this evaluation, the fines have been

assumed to be zero.


Lighting

If possible, take pictures with uniform lighting The software will see a shadow as a rock

edge More manual editing will be needed.


Sample Size

Keep the sample small but representative

Approx 8 D50 wide (rough estimate)


Angle of Photograph

Best results when photo is normal to rock surface.

The software automatically compensates for the photo angle using the scaling objects.

Recommend a photo angle less than 45 degrees from normal. Use scaling objects in

two diagonal corners of the photo.


What is the median stone size?

Let’s see how good you areat estimating rock size.

The scaling disks are 9 inchesin diameter.

What is the median rock size of this sample?



The sieve analysis for this material was11 inches. This program calculates 11.4 in.How did you do?


Another Example

What should the D50 befor 3 inch cubes?



The output says the D50 is 2.75 inches.Is it wrong? Life is not perfect andneither is this software.


Conclusions The split engineering software can accurately

determine rock size. Users need to understand how the software

works to minimize problems. Rock size and gradation can be obtained

rapidly and safely using digital photography. Loads of material have been rejected using

this tool.


Split-Desktop Version 3.0 is available as a 30-day free trial version.

It is CCE approved for limited use. Go to www.spliteng.com

http://www.spliteng.com/


Kerry M. RobinsonHydraulic EngineerENTSC

Stream Restoration:Combining Rock with Vegetation

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Natural Resources Conservation Service Software Introduction: Split Desktop Version 3.0 Kerry M. Robinson Hydraulic Engineer, ENTSC