Asphalt Concrete Characterization Using Digital Image Correlation: A
  Systematic Review of Best Practices, Applications, and Future Vision
Siqi Wang Zehui Zhu Tao Ma Jianwei Fan
Digital Image Correlation (DIC) is an optical technique that measures
displacement and strain by tracking pattern movement in a sequence of captured
images during testing. DIC has gained recognition in asphalt pavement
engineering since the early 2000s. However, users often perceive the DIC
technique as an out-of-box tool and lack a thorough understanding of its
operational and measurement principles. This article presents a state-of-art
review of DIC as a crucial tool for laboratory testing of asphalt concrete
(AC), primarily focusing on the widely utilized 2D-DIC and 3D-DIC techniques.
To address frequently asked questions from users, the review thoroughly
examines the optimal methods for preparing speckle patterns, configuring
single-camera or dual-camera imaging systems, conducting DIC analyses, and
exploring various applications. Furthermore, emerging DIC methodologies such as
Digital Volume Correlation and deep-learning-based DIC are introduced,
highlighting their potential for future applications in pavement engineering.
The article also provides a comprehensive and reliable flowchart for
implementing DIC in AC characterization. Finally, critical directions for
future research are presented.