ABSTRACT 9510301 Hryciw This research project will produce the design and prototype development of a Subsurface Vision Probe (SVP) for in situ characterization applicable for geotechnical and geo- environmental site investigations. The research will be conducted as a collaboration between the University of Michigan and Hogentogler & Co., Inc. of Columbia, MD. The ultimate objective is to incorporate the SVP into equipment used for cone penetrometer testing. A standard cone will be modified by combining a high-resolution CCD video camera, lens, lighting, and mirror system with synthetic sapphire viewing window into the penetrometer housing. The video images captured will allow the soil to be classified using image processing techniques. Ultimately, soil grain size distribution using visualization techniques could be determined in situ on a continuous and real-time basis. ***
