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VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
REVITALISATION PROJECT-PHASE II
YEAR I- SE MESTER THEORY
Version 1: December 2008
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN
CIVIL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
BASIC PRINCIPLES IN SURVEYING II
COURSE CODE: SUG 102
CIVIL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
BASIC PRINCIPLES IN SURVEYING II (SUG 102)
THEORETICAL COURSE INDEX
WEEK 1. 1.0 TACHEOMETRIC SURVEYING
1.1 Introduction to Tacheometry.1
WEEK 2. 1.2 Calibration of Instrument...7
WEEK 3. 1.3 Sources of error in Stadia
Tacheometry....11
1.4 Application of Stadia
Tacheometry....12
WEEK 4. 2.0 THE THEODOLITE
2.1 Theodolites and Uses... .17
2.2 Theodolites Resolutions.. 17
2.3 Basic Components of an optical
Theodolite18
WEEK 5. 3.0 GLOBAL POSITIONNING SYSTEM
3.1 Introduction G.P.S....23
3.2 Space Segment of the G.P.S...............24
3.3 G.P.S. Positionning Methods.26
WEEK 6. 3.4 How G.P.S. Works..28
WEEK 7. 3.5 G.P.S. Instrumentation..30
3.6 Application of the G.P.S. .32
WEEK 8. 4.0 THE TOTAL STATION
4.1 Introduction to Total Station.39
4.2 Angle Measurement ..43
4.3 Distance Measurement.43
4.4 Power Supply.45
WEEK 9. 5.0 THEODOLITE TRAVERSING.
5.1 Theodolite Traversing.................46
5.2 Types of Traversing.............46
5.3 Traverse Specification
and Accuracy .......48
WEEK 10. 5.4 Traverse Field Work ...50
5.5 Station Markings 51
WEEK 11. 6.0 SETTING OUT IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
6.1 Introduction to Setting Out53
6.2 Aims of Setting Out......53
6.3 Stages in Setting Out54
WEEK 12. 6.4 Equipment for Setting
Out Buildings....56
WEEK 13. 6.5 Setting Out a Simple Building
Plan62
6.6 Setting Out Subsidiary Lines...63
WEEK 14. 7.0 TRIANGULATION AND TRILATRATION
7.1 Triangulation and Trilatration65
7.2 Triangulation and Trilatration Field
Work....67
WEEK 15. 7.3 Distance Measurement..70
7.4 Angle Measurement..70
WEEK ONE
Introdution toTachoemetry.
1.1 Tacheometry is a branch of surveying where heights and distances are determined
from the instrumental readings alone; these readings are usually taken with a specially
adopted theodolite known as a Tacheometer. Chaining operation is eliminated and
tacheometry is therefore very useful in broken terrain e.g. land cut by ravines, river
valley, over standing crops etc. where direct linear measurement would be difficult and
inaccurate. All that is needed is that the surveying assistant, who carries a levelling staff
on which the tacheometer is sighted shall be able to reach the various points to be
surveyed and levelled and that a clear line of sight exists between the levelling staff and
the tacheometer must not exceed a maximum, beyond which error due to inaccurate
reading becomes excessive, normally, 50m.
The field work in tachometry is rapid compared with direct levelling and measurement
and it is widely used therefore to give contoured plans of areas, especially for reservoir
and hydro electric project tipping site, road and railway reconnaissance, housing sites
etc. With reasonable precautions, the results of tachometry obtained can be of the same
order of accuracy as, or even better than the results obtained by direct measurement in
some cases.
In stadia tachometry, a levelling staff is held vertically at one end of the line being
measured and a level or theodolite is set up above or below the other. The staff sighted
and readings taken using lines engraved on the telescope diaphram as shown in figure
below. The vertical angle along the line of sight can be either horizontal or inclined as
shown in the below figure. The vertical compensating system of the theodolite must be
in correct adjustment since vertical angles are read on face only.
RLx
Figure1.0 Inclined line of sight in stadia tacheometry.
With reference to the above figure;
Horizontal distance P x = D = KS cos
2
+ C cos (i)
Vertical distance V = K S sin 2 + C sin (ii)
Stadia lines
M
X
hi
D
P
S
V
Reduced level of X = RL
X
= RL
P
+ hi V m (iii)
Where;
K = the multiplying constant of instrument, usually 100
C = the additive constant of the instrument, usually 0
S = the difference between the two stadia readings
= the vertical angle along the line of sight
hi = the height of trunnion axis above point p
m = the middle staff reading at X
+v = used if there is an angle of elevation
- v = used if there is an angle of depression
Example 1.
A theodolite having a multiplying constant of 100 and additive constant of 0.00was
centred and levelled at a height of 1.48m above a point C, of reduced level 46.87m.
A levelling staff was held vertically at points D and L in turn and the readings shown in
table 1.1 below were taken.
Required:
calculate;
a. The reduced levels of points D and L
b. The horizontal distances; D
CD
and D
CL
Table 1.0 : Stadia readings.
Staff
position
Staff readings
(m)
Vertical circle
readings
Horizontal circle
readings
D 3.240, 3.047, 2.853 02
0
21
07
56
0
49
31
L 2.458, 2.230, 2.002 02
0
21
36
98
0
07
18
SOLUTION
Figure 1.2 tacheomeyric Exercise.
(a) The reduced levels of points D and L are obtained as follows;
From equation (ii)
V
CD
= KS sin 2 + C sin
= (100) (3.240 2.853) sin 2(02
0
21
07
) + 0
= 50 (0.387) sin (4.70389
0
)
= 1.587m
V
CL
= KS sin 2 + C sin
= (100) (2.458 2.002) sin 2(02
0
21
36
) + 0
= 50(0.456) sin (4.720
0
)
= 1.876m
Using equation (iii)
VCL
m C
D
VCD
m
1.48m
L
02
0
21
36
02
0
21
07
DCL
DCD
Reduced level at point D = RL
D.
RL
D
= RL
C
+ hi + V
CD
m
= 46.87 + 1.48 + 1.587 3.047
= 46.89m
RL
L
= RL
C
+ hi V
CD
m
= 46.87 + 1.48 1.876 2.230
= 44.24m
(b) The horizontal distance DL = KS cos
2
+ C cos
From equation (i)
Horizontal distance D
CD
= 100 (3.240 2.853) cos
2
(02
0
21
07
) +0
= 38.7 (0.998315911)
= 38.635m
Horizontal distance = 100 (2.458 2.002) cos
2
(02
0
21
36
)
= 45.60 (0.998304362)
= 45.523m
Slope = Difference in RL = 46.89 44.24
Total distance 38.635 + 45.523
= 2.650 = 0.0315
84.158
= tan
-1
0.0315 = 1.804
0
WEEK TWO
1.2 CALIBRATION OF INSTRUMENT.
Figure 2.1 A Theodolite.
Figure 2.2 Observing through the Instrument.
The tacheometer at every time has two constants namely;
The multiplying constant, denoted by K.
Additive constant denoted by C.
These constant can be determined for any instrument whose either are not known or need
to be recalibrated.
Finding K and C for an instrument
The instrument to be calibrated or recalibrated is centred at a point on a horizontal
ground; the eyepiece focusing is used for stadia measurements of two staff positions
placed at different distances away from the instrument say 100m and 200m with the staff
held vertically upright. The staff is sighted with the telescope at a horizontal line of sight.
The lower and upper staff readings are carefully read and recorded as illustrated in the
figure below.
Fiigure: 2.3 Calibration of Equipment
We know that horizontal distance = KS cos
2
+ C cos
Since the line of sight is horizontal, it follows that = 0.This implies that horizontal
distance, D = KS + C . (iv)
Equation (iv) is used to determine the constants for any instrument whose readings are
taken as explained previously.
Theodolite
Upper Stadia
reading
Lower Stadia
reading
Upper Stadia
reading
Lower Stadia
reading
100m
200m
Staff
Example 2.
The table below shows the observations (readings) taken to determine the two constants
for an instrument.
Table 2.0 : Stadia readings
Required:
Find the values of these constants
Using equation (iv)
D = KS + C
Reading on staff.
( m)
Horizontal distance
(m)
Lower wire Upper wire
30 1.133 1.433
90 1.452 2.352
Theodolite
1.433
1.13
2.352
1.452
30m
90m
Staff 1
Staff 2
For staff 1, D
1
= KS
1
+ C
=> 30 = K (0.3) + C .. (1)
For staff 2, D
2
= KS
2
+ C
=> 90 = K (0.9) + C .. (2)
Subtracting equation (1) from (2)
90 = K (0.9) + C
- 30 = K (0.3) + C
60 = 0.6K + 0
K =
60
/
0.6
= 100
K = 100
Substituting the value of K into equation (1)
30 = 100 (0.3) + C
30 30 = C
=> C = 0
Hence, the values of these constants are;
K = 100 and C = 0
Questions:
A theodolite is to be used in tacheometric survey to pick the details of up and down
stream features of a new dam. It was tested on known bases as follows;
Table 2.2 Stadia readings.
Staff reading
(m)
Horizontal distance
(m)
Vertical angle
Upper Lower
30.00 90
0
00
00
1.433 1.183
89.98
90
0
00
00
2.247 1.542
Required: Find the multiplier and additive constants of the instrument
The instrument above was used to generate the following data;
Upper stadia reading = 1.330m
Lower stadia reading = 1.100m
What is the horizontal distance between the instrument and the staff?
The instrument height = 1.210m and the reduced level at the instrument position =
39.47m
WEEK THREE
1.3 SOURCES OF ERROR IN STADIA TACHEOMETRY
The accuracy of basic stadia tacheometry depends on two categories of error;
instrumental and field errors.
(A) INSTRUMENTAL ERRORS
An incorrectly assumed value for K, the multiplying constant, caused by an error in the
construction of the diaphragm of the theodolite or level used.
Errors arising out of the assumption that K and C are fixed when strictly, both K and C
are variable.
The possible errors due to 1 and 2 above limit the overall accuracy to distance
measurement by stadia tachometry to 1 in 1000.
(B) FIELD ERRORS
These can occur from the following sources.
when observing the staff, incorrect readings may be recorded which result in an error in
the staff intercept S. Assuming K = 100, an error of 1mm in the value of S results in an
error of 10mm in D.
Since the staff reading accuracy decreases as D increases, the maximum length of a
tachometric sight should be + 50mm.
2. Non verticality of the levelling staff can be a serious source of error. This
and poor accuracy of staff readings form the worst two sources of error.
The error in distance due to the non verticality of the staff is proportional to both the
angle of elevation of the sighting and the length of the sighting. Hence, a large error can
be caused by steep sightings, long sighting or a combination of both. It is therefore
advisable not to exceed = 10
0
for all stadia tachometry.
3. A further source of error is in reading the vertical circle of the theodolite. If the
line of sight is limited to 10
0
, errors arising from this source will be small. Usually, it is
sufficiently accurate to measure the vertical angle 1
00
207
0
30
00
1.000, 1.515, 2.025
1.000, 2.055, 3.110
+80
0
00
00
- 5
0
00
00
Required: Calculate the relative levels of the ground at A and B, and the mean slope
between the two points (A & B).
Solution
V
2
V
1
m
hi
-5
0
00
00
+8
0
00
00
Figure 3.0 Tacheo metric Exercise.
From Equation (ii)
V
A
= KS Sin 2 + C sin
= (100) (2.025-1.000) Sin 2(8
0
00
00
) + 0
= 50(1.025) sin (16
0
00
00
)
= 14.13m
V
B
= KS sin 2 + C Sin
= (100) (3.110-1.000) sin 2(5
0
00
I
00
II
)
= 50 (2.110) Sin (10
0
00
00
)
= 18.32m
For horizontal distances H
A
and H
B
, equation (i) is applicable.
Hence, H
A
= Ks cos
2
+ C cos
= 100 (1.025) cos
2
(8
0
00
00
) + 0
= 100.51m
H
B
= Ks cos
2
+ C cos
= (2.110) cos
2
(5
0
00
00
)
= 209.40m
Let x be the height of instrument above datum;
Level of A = 14.12 + x 1.515
= x + 12.61
Level of B = 18.32 x 2.055
= x 16.27
The difference in level from A and B;
Level of A level of B
= (x + 12.61) (x 16.27)
= x + 12.61 x + 16.27
= 12.61 + 16.27
= 28.89m
The bearings slow that A, B and the instrument lie on a straight line
(207
0
30
00
27
0
30
00
=18
0
00
00)
=> Mean slope = Difference in level
H
A
+ H
B
= 28.89
(100.15 + 209.40)
= 28.8
309.91
= 0.093220
= tan-
1
0.093220 = 5.33
0
ASSIGNMENT 1
Q1. Tachometric survey conducted to pick the details of the up and down stream
features of a proposed new dam generated the following data;
Table 3.1 :Stadia readings.
Levelling staff
station
Upper stadia
reading (m)
Middle stadia
reading(m)
Lower stadia
reading (m)
Vertical angle
A 1.433 1.308 1.183 20
0
15
00
B 2.247 1.849 1.452 - 12
0
30
00
The instrument has a multiplying constant of 100 and an additive constant of 0, whose
height is 1.47m and centred at point x of reduced level 39.85m.
Required:
Calculate the reduced levels of stations A and B.
Determine the horizontal distance from station A to B.
Q2. A theodolite whose height of instrument level is 182.56m has a multiplier
constant of 100 and an additive constant of 1.00
If the angle of elevation is 10
0
00
00
to 0.1
to 0.1
although 20
and 6
to 0.1
to 0.1
although 20
and 6
5
Distance measurement
- to one prism
- to three prisms
Accuracy
2.3km
3.1km
(2mm + 2ppm)
2.2km
2.9km
(3mm + 3ppm)
1.0km
1.5km
(5mm + 3ppm)
Measurement time 3.0 seconds 3.2 seconds 3.4 seconds
Data displayed
- H and V angles
- SD, HD and VD
- X, Y and Z co ords
- setting out data
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Data recording Data recorder field
computer
Data recorder field
computer memory
card
Data recorder field
computer
Compensator battery Singleaxis Ni
cad 7.2v
Dual axis Ni cad
6.0v
Single axis Ni cad
4.8v
4.2 Angle measurement
This exercise is done using an electronic theodolite .All features associated with the
electronic theodolite (a theodolite that produces a digital output of direction or angle) is
appliance to all total stations.
Typically, a total station can record angles with resolution of between 1
and 20
and all
instruments incorporate some form of compensator, the more expensive using dual axis
and the less sophisticated, single axis compensator.
4.3 Distance measurement
Currently, most total stations use a Ga As infra red carrier source and phase comparison
techniques in order to measure distances. However, compared to theodolite mounted
systems nearly all total stations use coaxial optics in which the EDM transmitter and
receiver are combined with the theodolite telescope. This makes the instrument much
more compact and easier to use on site. Normally a total station will measure a slope
distance and the micro processor uses the vertical angle recorded by the theodolite along
the line of sight (line of distance measurement) to calculate the horizontal distance. In
addition, the height difference between the trunnion axis and prism centre is also
calculated and displayed. All instruments use some form of signal attenuations to protect
the receiver.
Three modes are usually available for distance measurement namely;
Standard (or coarse) mode: This has a resolution of 1mm and a measurement time of 1
2 seconds.
Precise (or refine) mode: This has a resolution of 1mm but a measurement time of 3 4
seconds. This is more accurate than the standard mode since the instrument repeats the
measurement and refines the arithmetic mean value.
Tracking (or fast): Mode in which the distance measurement is automatically replaced at
intervals of less than one second. Normally, this mode has a resolution of 10m and is
used extensively when setting out since readings are updated very quickly and vary in
response to movements of the prism which is usually pole mounted.
The range of a total station is typically 1 3km to a single prism assuming
visibility is good and up to a range of 500m which covers 90 percents of the distance
measured on site, the precision of a typical total station is about 5mm. Most instruments
allow for the input of temperature and pressure which enables the distance readings to be
automatically corrected for atmospheric effects. Also, any value of prism constant can be
entered into the instrument via the alpha numeric key board.
If a code is entered from the key board to define the feature being observed, the data can
be processed much more quickly by downloading it into approximate software.
On numeric key boards codes are represented by numbers and/or letters which give
greater versatility and scope. The alpha- numeric control panel of the Topcon GTS 6 is
shown in figure below.
Figure 8.5 A sketch of the Alpha Numeric key board of the Total
Station.
4.4 Power supply
Rechargeable nickel cadmium (Nicad) batteries are now standard for surveying
instruments and these are connected directly to the total station without using cables. For
GTS-6
REC BAT MENU
F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6
DISPLY SREEN
A F
0
angle and distance measurements, between two and ten hours use can be obtained from a
battery, depending on the instrument. Most total stations are capable of giving a battery
power indication and some have an auto save feature which switches the instrument off
or into some standby mode after it has not been used for a specified time. It is a good
practice, no matter what assurances a manufacturer may give about the life of a battery to
have a fully charged spare with the instrument at all times.
The micro processor of the total station apart from controlling the angle and distance
function, it is also programmed to perform coordinate and other calculations.
Even though a total station can perform many of the calculations often done manually on
site, this does not mean that the surveyor or engineer should lose this ability. Thus, this
opportunity should be seen as a method and not a substitute for other surveying
principles.
WEEK NINE
5.1 THEODOLITE TRAVERSING
A traverse is a continuous framework of lines connecting a number of points, lengths of
the lines and their angular relationship to each other being measured. The lines are known
as legs and the points as stations.
A traverse is a means of providing horizontal control in which rectangular coordinates
are determined from a combination of angle and distance measurements along lines
joining adjacent stations.
USES
Traverse surveys are used where site conditions make the chain triangulation method
impossible, i.e. a wood, built up factor blocks, long winding river or where the survey
is of large area and details are required.
The main purpose of theodolite traversing is to establish the bearing and lengths of a
series of adjoining lines which together form the framework for the survey of a particular
area. The bearings and distances are then plotted with protractor or by triangular co
ordinate.
5.2 TYPES OF TRAVERSING
We have two major types;
Open traverse
Close traverse
OPEN TRAVERSE
A traverse whose starting and finishing stations do not coincide or are not both fixed or
known is called an open traverse. This type of traverse is used to survey rivers, roads or
railway routes.
Open traverse commences at a known point and finishes at unknown point or station and
therefore are not close. Since open traverse are used only in exceptional circumstances,
there is no external check on the measurement.
CLOSE TRAVERSE
When a framework form a close figure (or when the traverse connects station which
position are known) it is known as a closed traverse, such a traverse is easily checked, as
a surveying start and finishes at a fixed point or points.
In the figure below, a traverse has been run from station A (of known position) to stations
1, 2, 3 and another known position B. Traverse A ,1, 2, 3,B is therefore; closed at B. This
type of traverse is called a link, connecting or close route traverse.
A
1
2
3
B
Figure 9.1 :Closed Traverse Network.
The figure shown below is a framework of a closed traverse known as a polygon traverse
it started and ended at a common point x.
Figure 9.2 : Closed Traverse Network.
5.3 TRAVERSE SPECIFICATION AND ACCURACY
The accuracy of a traverse is governed largely by the type of equipment used and the
observing and measuring techniques employed. These are basically dictated by the
purpose of the survey work.
Many types of traverse are possible but three broad groups can be defined and are given
in table 2.1 below.
The most common type of traverse for general engineering work and site surveys would
be of typical accuracy 1 in 10, 000.
An important factor when selecting traverse equipment is that the various instruments
should produce roughly the same order to precision, that is, it is pointless using a 1
theodolite to measure traverse angles if the lengths are being measured with a synthetic
tape.
N
X
Table 9.1 : General traverse specifications
Type Typical Purpose Angular
measurement
Distance
measurement
Geodetic or
precise
1 in 50, 000 or
better
1. Major control
for mapping
large circles
2. Provision of
very accurate
reference points
for engineering
surveys.
0.1
EDM
General 1 in 5, 000 to 1
in 50, 000
1. General
engineering
survey that is,
setting out and
site surveys
2. Secondary
control for
mapping large
areas
1
or 2
theodolite
EDM, steel taps
Low accuracy 1 in 500 to 1 in
5, 000
1. Small scale
detail surveys.
2. Rough large
scale detail
surveys.
3. preliminary
or
reconnaissance
surveys
20
or 1
theodolite
Synthetic tapes,
stadia
tacheometry
WEEK TEN
5.4 Traversing field work: Reconnaissance
This is one of the most important aspects of any survey and must always be undertaken
before any angles or lengths are measured. The main aim of the reconnaissance is to
locate suitable positions for traverse stations and a poorly executed reconnaissance can
result in difficulties at later stages in a survey leading to waste of time and inaccurate
work.
To start a reconnaissance, an over all picture of the area us obtained by walking all over
the site keeping in mind the requirements of the survey. If an existing map or plan of the
area is available, this is a useful aid at this stage.
When sitting station, an attempt should be made to keep the number of stations to a
minimum and the lengths of traverse legs should be kept as long as possible to minimise
the effect of any centring errors.
If the traverse is being run for a detail survey then the method which is to be used for the
subsequent operation must be considered. For most sites a polygon traverse is usually
sited around the area at points of maximum visibility. It should be possible to observe
across checks or lines across the area to enable other points inside the area to be fixed and
also to assist in the location for angular errors. Traverse for read works and pipelines
generally require a link traverse. Since these sites tend to be long and narrow. The shape
of the read or pipe line dictation the shape of the traverse.
If distance measurements are to be carried out using tapes the ground conditions between
stations should be suitable for this purpose, steep slopes or badly broken ground along the
traverse lines should be avoided and it is better if there are as few changes of slopes as
possible. Roads and paths that have been surfaced are usually good for ground
measurements.
Stations should be located such that they are clearly inter visible, preferably at ground
level, that is, with a theodolite set up at one point, it should be possible to see the ground
marks at adjacent stations and as many others as possible. This eases the angular
measurement process and enhances its accuracy.
Stations should be placed in firm level ground so that the theodolite and tripod are
supported adequately when observing angles at the stations. Very often stations are used
for a sited survey and at later stage for setting out. Since some time elapse between the
site survey and the start of the construction, the choice of firm ground in order to prevent
the stations moving in any way becomes even more important. It is sometimes necessary
to install semi permanent stations.
Owing to the effects of lateral refraction and shimmer traverse ,lines of sight should be
well above ground level (greater than 1m) for most of their length to avoid any possible
angular errors due to rays passing close to ground level (grazing rays). These effects are
serious in hot weather.
When are stations have been sited a sketch of the traverse should be prepared
approximately to scale. The stations are given reference letters or numbers. This greatly
assists in the planning and checking of fieldwork.
5.5 STATION MARKING
When a reconnaissance is completed, the stations have to be marked for the duration or
longer of the survey. Station markers must be permanent, not easily disturbed and they
should be clearly visible. The construction and type of station depends on the
requirements of the survey.
For general purpose traverse, wooden pegs are used which are hammered into the ground
until the top of the peg is almost flushed with the ground level (see figure below).
300-500mm
Figure 10.1 ; station peg.
50mm square
wooden peg
Nail
If it is not possible to drive the whole length of the peg into hard ground the excess above
the ground should be sawn off. This is necessary since a long length of peg left above the
ground is liable to be knocked down. A nail should be tapped into the top of the peg to
define the exact position of the station as shown in figure above.
Stations in roadways can be marked with 75mm pipe nail driven flush with the surface.
The nail surround should be painted for easy identification. These marks are fairly
permanent, but it is usually prudent to enquire if the road is to be resurfaced in the near
future.
A more permanent station would be normally required on marks set in concrete, typical
station designs are shown in the figure below.
A reference or witnessing sketch of the features surrounding each stations should be
prepared, especially if the stations are to be left for any time before being used, or if they
will be required again at a much later stage.
Measurements are taken from the station to nearby permanent features to enable it to be
relocated. A typical sketch is shown in figure below.
Metal
post
Station
14
(Iron Bar in Concrete)
Building
Man hole
3.4m 3.8m
N
Figure 10.2: Witnessing Sketch
WEEK ELEVEN
6.1 SETTING OUT
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in their publication ISO/DP
7078 Building construction defines setting out as the establishment of the marks and lines
to define the positions and levels of the elements for the construction work so that works
may proceed with reference of them.
Setting out can also be defined as the process whereby the positions and levels of new
works already recorded on a working plan are transferred to the ground.
A definition often used for setting out is that, it is the reverse of surveying. This
definition means that whereas surveying is the process of producing a plan or map of a
particular area or site, setting out begins with the plan and ends with the various elements
of a particular engineering project correctly positioned on the ground in the area.
However, as in surveying, setting out must be arranged so that the work at hand can be
properly checked. Every peg placed must be proved to be in its correct position as
provided in the plan within allowable limits.
6.2 AIMS OF SETTING OUT
There are two main aims when undertaking setting out operations;
The various elements of the scheme or work must be correct in all three dimensions both
relatively and absolutely, that is each element must be in its correct size, in its correct
position and at its correct deduced level.
Once setting out begins, it must proceed quickly and with little or no delay in order that
the works can proceed smoothly and the costs can be minimized.
In practice, there are many techniques, which can be used to achieve these two aims.
However, they are all based on three general principles
Points of known E, N coordinates must be established within or near the site from which
the design point can be set out in their correct plan positions. This involves horizontal
control techniques
Points of known elevation relative to an agreed datum are required within or near the site
from which the design points can be set out at their correct reduced levels. This involves
vertical control technique.
Accurate methods must be adopted to establish design points from these horizontal and
vertical controls. This involves positioning techniques
6.3 STAGES IN SETTING OUT.
As the work proceeds, the setting out falls into two broad stages;
Initially, techniques are required to define the site, to set out the foundations and to
monitor their construction. Once this has been done, emphasis changes to the above
ground elements of the scheme and methods must be adopted which will ensure that they
are fixed at their correct levels and positions. These two stages are explained as follows
FIRST STAGE SETTING OUT.
The first stage when setting out any work is to locate the boundaries of the works in their
correct position on the ground surface and to define the major elements. In order to
achieve this, horizontal and vertical control points must be established on or near the site
as explained earlier. These are then used not only to define the perimeter of the site which
enables fences to be erected and site clearance to begin but also to set out critical design
points on the scheme and to define slopes, directions and so on. For example; in a
structural project, the main corners and sites of the building will be located and the
required depths of dig to foundation level will be defined. In a road project, the centre
line and the extent of the embankments and cuttings will be established together with
their required slopes.
When the boundaries and major elements have been pegged out, the top soil is stripped
off and excavation work begins. During this period, it may be necessary to relocate any
peg(s) that are accidentally disturbed by the plant and equipment. Once the formation
level is reached, the foundations are laid in accordance with the drawings and the critical
design points located earlier.
Setting out techniques is used to check that the foundations are in their correct three
dimensional positions. The first stage ends once construction to ground floor level, sub
base level or similar levels has been completed.
WEEK TWELVE
SECOND STAGE SETTING OUT.
This continues from the first stage, beginning at the ground floor slab, road sub base
level or similar levels. Up to this point, all the controls will still be outside the main
construction, for example, the pegs defining building corners, centre lines and so on will
have been knocked out during the earth moving work and only the original control will
be undisturbed. Some off set pegs may remain but these too will be set back from the
actual construction itself.
The purpose of second stage setting out therefore is to transfer the horizontal and vertical
controls used in the first stage into the various elements of the scheme.
6.4 EQUIPMENT FOR SETTING OUT OF BUILDING.
The nature and complexity of the building or any engineering work like; bridges, dams,
roads etc. determine the accuracy that need to be achieved, which in turns, defines or
determines which types of equipment will be selected for the task e.g. dumpy level or
theodolite, fibre glass tape or steel tape, plumb bob and line or optical plummet etc.
Figure 12.1 : A MEASURING TAPE.
Figure 12.2 : A STEEL MEASURING TAPE.
Figure 12.3 : A DIGITAL MEASURING TAPE.
PEGS
: These are usually made of two materials;
Figure 12.4 : Wooden Pegs.
i. Timber pegs 50mm section of variable length but having a pointed end to
facilitated driving into the ground by hammering. A timber peg may have a
nail fixed to its top at the centre to locate exactly the station point. All setting
out pegs should be clearly marked with a 50mm deep and red paint and should
have a board of blue paint.
ii. Steel pegs they are usually formed from lengths of steel reinforcement rods,
cut to a suitable lengths and may have one edge sharpened to facilitate careful
driving positions have been checked, they are normally surrounded by
concrete. Identification works may be made into the surface of the concrete
before it sets hard
Lines:
They are strings, wire, nylon etc. the weather condition plays a very vital role in
selecting which material to be used so that the line is safe from damage, stretch, sag in
prevailing working conditions of the weather. The lines provides straight out lines from a
peg to another. They define straight lines from points or stations.
PROFILE BOARDS:
These are used in conjunction with pegs so that extended lines positions may be marked
by using profile boards, the string or wire lines can be removed in the knowledge that
when they are required again, they can be positioned exactly as they were originally.
Normally, a profile boards is erected near each off set peg and used in exactly the same
way as a sight rail, a traveler are being used between profile boards to monitor excavation
FIGURE 12.5 : SHOWING PROFILE BOARD
SITE SQUARE:
This is an optical device used for setting out right angles whereby unskilled labour can
attain an accuracy of 5mm in 30m.
The instrument is basically of two telescopes mounted one above the other and with their
lines of sight set at 90
0
to each other. The site square is supported on a tripod stand,
which can be set over a fixed mark on the ground. The lower telescope is aimed along the
line from which the right angle is to be established being brought to bear on any site mark
in the line by moving the telescope:
In the vertical plane
Laterally by means of a fine turning screw. Once the adjustment of the lower telescope
is complete, the upper telescope will trace out a line at right angles to the original line and
a
further site mark can be positioned as required by moving this telescope in the vertical
plane only.
Figure 12.6 : Travelers used in setting out slopping ground
WEEK THIRTEEN
6.5 SETTING OUT OF BUILDING
Setting out the base line: The base line adopted in setting out a building is usually the
building line, although on extensive factory layouts are centre lines of buildings are
sometimes runs of machinery. In either case, the location of such lines is reacted to the
physical features of the site. The building line is the line of the front face of the building
as indicated in figure below (line AB).
Figure 13.1 : Setting out a simple building plan.
The position of the building line may be defined on the working plan by measurements
from any of the following;
The property boundary
The edge of the road kerb
The centre line of the road.
It is important to note that
Where there is no indication of the building line, its position must be agreed on site with
the local authority-building inspectors.
Where there is an obvious line of existing building frontages, this line is usually adopted
as the building line.
The building line is first ranged by eye and pegs are placed at the two front corners of the
outer face of the proposed building. Critical measurements are made from the boundary
to the building corners as shown in figure above or defined by local regulations and along
the face of the proposed building by nails hammed into the pegs.
6.6 B. Setting out the subsidiary lines:
Proposed building (structure)
EXISTING
BUILDING
EXISTING
BUILDING
From the two front pegs, A and B, angles are set out in accordance with the building plan
to follow the outer face of the flank walls. This could be done with a theodolite, setting
up over each peg in turn and turning off the required angle from the building line in each
case. As the angle of the flank wall is most often 90
0
this could be set out without a
theodolite using the following;
a. A 3:4:5 taped triangle
b. A builders square, which is a 3:4:5-ratio triangle made out of timber
c. An optical square
d. A site square, which is a proprietary instrument consisting of two small
telescopes fixed rigidly at right angles on a small stand.
e. A level incorporating a horizontal circle like a theodolite, but reading by venire
to about 5only. When the two rear pegs; C and D are placed and nail marked, they
are checked by measuring between them and by measuring the diagonals.
In a rectangle building, the two diagonals must be equal to prove the positioning
of the pegs.
After the main outline has been pegged ,any minor extensions or returns from the
main figure are pegged and checked, such as the pegs at e, f, g, h, j and k, when the
complete outline of the outer face of the building has been pegged and checked.
Setting out the reference marks: The pegs now placed will be destroyed as the
foundations are excavated and the reference system must be adopted. This can be
achieved by the use of profile boards, illustrated in the above figure.
Profile boards are constructed of 150 or 200mm by 25mm, boards supported on
50mm square posts hammered firmly into the ground, well clear of the working area. On
well organized sites, the boards are placed at one level, usually finished floor level or
dam proof course level. The advantages of these are as follows;
They help to keep the tape horizontal when making measurements.
They provide a level datum around the site so that less check leveling is needed
subsequently.
Disturbance of the boards can easily be noted visually.
Levels of work below ground can be controlled by travelers using the profile boards as
sight rails.
Approximate levels can be obtained by direct vertical measurements up or down from
lines strung between the profile boards.
Once all boards have been placed in position, all at one level, lines are strung
between
some distance above the peg, the peg position must be plumbed upward, using plumb line
in reference to the less accurate brick layers spirit level. When the lines have been
accurately strung across the profile boards, positions are marked with a nail or saw cut
so that they may be replaced at any time. The intersections of the various strung lines will
then define the peg positions when they are removed for excavations. Profile boards for
minor buildings or projections are not always erected or needed. Full foundation width is
marked on the boards and two lines strung between these points to define the width of the
foundation trench to be dug. Once the trench has been started, the lines are removed.
Alternatively, the lines may be temporarily defined along the ground by means of
strips of lime or sand to guide excavation of the trench.
WEEK FOURTEEN
7.1 TRIANGULATION AND TRILATERATION.
Like traversing, triangulation and trilateration are surveying methods used to
locate control points or stations which form a network.
A triangulation network consists of a series of single or overlapping triangles as
shown below, the points (vertices) of each triangle forming control stations. Position is
determined by measuring all the angles in the network and by measuring the length of
one or more base lines such as XY or IB, with the base line, application of the Sine Rule
in each triangle throughout the network enables the lengths of all triangle sides to be
calculated. These lengths when combined with the measured angles enable the
coordinates of the stations to be computed.
Figure 14.1 : Triangulation Network.
Figure 14.2 A map.
7.2 TRIANGULATION AND TRILATERATION:
FIELDWORK.
The methods that can be used to establish and observe a combined network vary
considerably with its size and it is emphasized the following sections are concerned
solely with civil engineering and construction sites where distances between control
stations seldom exceed 1km.
Figure 14 3:TRIANGULATION NETWORK
A trilateration network is a series of singles or overlapping triangles but in this case,
position is determined by measuring all the distances in the network instead of the angles.
However, to enable station coordinate to be computed, the measured distances are
combined with angle values derived from the side length s of each triangle.
Until the advent of EDM, the measurement of distances in a trilateration scheme with
sufficient accuracy was a very difficult and time consuming process and because of this
trilateration techniques were seldom used for establishing horizontal control. Traversing
techniques were also limited since it was not possible
to maintain a uniformly high accuracy when traversing over long distances. As a
result of that, triangulation was used extensively in the past to provide control for survey
covering large areas.
However, nowadays, because of the high precision, and accuracy of modern
equipment, traversing, triangulation and trilateration can all be used as methods of
establishing horizontal control. Although traversing is the most popular method for
providing control on site, combined triangulation and trilateration is often used; this
involves the measurements of angles and distances through out a network rather than
between selected stations as in traversing. On construction sites, combined network are
used where horizontal control is required to be spread over large areas and they are also
used to provide reference points for control extension, for monitoring and for precise
engineering work.
The reconnaissance for a network is the most important aspect of the survey and is
carried out to determine the positions of the control stations. Since this is linked to the
size and shape of the figure to be used in the scheme and to the number of measurements
to be taken, the reconnaissance will determine the amount of fieldwork that will have to
be undertaken.
To start the reconnaissance, information relevant to the survey area should e
gathered, especially that relating to any previous survey. Such information may include
existing maps, aerial photographs and any site surveys already prepared for the
construction project.
From this information, a network diagram should be prepared, approximately to
scale, showing proposed locations for the stations. It is also important that the survey area
is visited, at which time the final positions for the stations are chosen.
Many guidelines for reconnaissance when traversing are also applicable here, but
particular attention must be paid to the establishing the station points, the layout of
stations in relation to the survey work and the precision and reliability of the network
must be assessed.
Based on the reconnaissance, decisions regarding the measurements to be
taken are made and the instruments to be used for the survey are specified. Most
importantly, a check should be made to ensure that the survey meets its
specifications
WEEK FIFTEEN
7.3 DISTANCE MEASUREMENT.
During the observation of a network, the lengths of as of the triangles sides as possible
are measured using some sort of EDM equipment. When using the EDM equipment, the
meteorological conditions at the time of measurements must be monitored carefully and
suitable corrections made; also, any systematic instrument errors present in the equipment
must be allowed for by careful calibration of the of the equipment. For National Grid
based surveys, the scale factor is applied to each measured distance and, if the distance
has been measured at an appreciable elevation, a height correction must be applied since
mean sea level is the datum height for the National Grid.
7.4 ANGLE MEASUREMENT.
The instrument normally required for measurement of the angles in networks is a
0.1/0.2 or 1 double reading optical micrometer theodolite or an electronic theodolite
of similar precision.
The theodolite is set up and angles are observed and booked. Very often, a total station or
theodolite mounted EDM system is used to observe a network and distances and angles
are measured simultaneously at each station.
Figure 15.1 :Distance measuring Instrument.