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In geotechnical laboratories, complicated geometries have frequently to be surveyed and the surfaces of the test materials, such as soils or geosynthetics, are often hard to handle within the experiments. Compressions, strains, distortions, stresses and failures (for example, cracks) must be identified. Highly accurate measurements of two-and three-dimensional deformations can be performed using photogrammetric systems. Digital close range photogrammetry offers the possibility of capturing three-dimensional points to sub-millimetre accuracy. Because this is a non-contact measurement technology and large point clusters can be captured simultaneously, the method is well suited for geotechnical laboratory applications. Nowadays, digital cameras are well developed, such that even low-budget consumer cameras can be used for surveying tasks with high accuracy requirements. In this context, complex measurements in geotechnical experiments, such as the threedimensional determination of strains in dynamic systems where several cameras may be needed, can be performed at very low cost.In the authors' opinion, low-budget solutions include the use of hardware and software which is already accessible. If the available photogrammetric network does not meet the requirements of the planned task, individual adaptation of this network may still be more cost-effective than purchasing a specialised product. This paper covers a variety of applications using low-budget digital photogrammetric solutions in geotechnical laboratories and emphasises two recent projects at the University of Rostock.

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Abstract. Trinitrotoluene (TNT), a commonly used explosive for military and industrial applications, can cause serious environmental pollution. 28-day laboratory pot experiment was carried out applying bioaugmentation using laboratory selected bacterial strains as inoculum, biostimulation with molasses and cabbage leaf extract, and phytoremediation using rye and blue fenugreek to study the effect of these treatments on TNT removal and changes in soil microbial community responsible for contaminant degradation. Chemical analyses revealed significant decreases in TNT concentrations, including reduction of some of the TNT to its amino derivates during the 28-day tests. The combination of bioaugmentation-biostimulation approach coupled with rye cultivation had the most profound effect on TNT degradation. Although plants enhanced the total microbial community abundance, blue fenugreek cultivation did not significantly affect the TNT degradation rate. The results from molecular analyses suggested the survival and elevation of the introduced bacterial strains throughout the experiment. Keywords: TNT, bioaugmentation, biostimulation, phytoremediation, microbial community.