: This paper presents 3D collision deformation modelling methodologies using photogrammetry for reconstruction of vehicle accidents. A vehicle's deformation shape in collision provides important information on how the vehicle collided. So effective measurement(scanning) and construction of a corresponding appropriate model are essential in the analysis of collision deformation shape for obtaining much information related to collision accident. Two measurement methods were used in this study: Indirect-photogrammetry which requires relatively small amount of photos or videos, and direct-photogrammetry which requires large amount of photos directly taken for the purpose of 3D modelling. When the indirect-photogrammetry method, which was mainly used in this study, lacked enough photographic information, already secured 2D numerical deformation data was used as a compensation. This made 3D collision deformation modelling for accident reconstruction analysis possible.

This paper proposes effective 3-dimensional collision crash modelling methods using photogrammetry and a 3D scanner, along with the scientific application methods of these models for reconstruction analysis of vehicle collision accidents. Two methods based on photogrammetry are presented: one is by using a small number of pre-existing photos, and the other is by using a large amount of photos taken for the exact purpose of 3-dimensional modelling. With the 3D scanner measurement method, a 3-dimensional collision crash model that is more elaborate than photogrammetry is created. Several application methods for accident reconstruction analysis are proposed based on the modelling process and the characteristics of the results.

In accident reconstruction analysis of a collision between modern vehicles which have a three-dimensional frontal shape, classical two-dimensional crush measurement and modelling have apparent limits. In this paper, a new model which can calculate the collision speed from the three-dimensional crush volume estimated using two-dimensional photographic data of the collision crush shape is presented. The equation for the crush volume and the collision speed include the mass of the vehicle, and it is composed as a single equation, disregarding the size of the vehicle. The optimal coefficients were obtained through least-squares curve fitting using National Highway Traffic Safety Administration collision test data, and they were validated through actual vehicle collision tests. Additionally, a photogrammetry method using only photographic data of the collision is suggested for immediate application in reconstruction analysis of an actual accident, which can make the measurement of the crush volume relatively convenient and accurate.