BUILDING & STRUCTURAL

SURVEYING
N5
STUDY GUIDE
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CONTENTS

1. BASIC PRINCIPLE……………………………………………………………..3

2. LINEAR MEASUREMENT………………………………………………….....6

3. LEVELLING…………………………………………………………………....18

3.1 RISE AND FALL METHOD…………………………………………..19

3.2 COLLIMATION HEIGHT METHOD………………………………....25

3.3 RECIPROCAL LEVELLING…………………………………………..28

4 TACHEOMETRY……………………………………………………………...30

5. TRAVERSING………………………………………………………………....36

5.1 MEAN OBSERVATION ANGLE…………………………………….37

5.2 CO-ORDINATES (JOINING)………………………………………...42

6. SETTING OUT………………………………………………………………..46

6.5 CUT AND FILL……………………………………………………….48

6.6 LENGTH AND SLOPE OF DRAINAGE PIPES……………………..52

6.7 ESTABLISHING HEIGHTS OF SIGHT RAILS……………………..59

7 AREAS AND VOLUMES…………………………………………………….63

8. ANSWERS…………………………………………………………………….

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CHAPTER 1

BASIC PRINCIPLES

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1. BASIC PRINCILPES

1.1 Terminology
1.1.1 Surveying
Surveying is the art of taking measurements upon the surface of
the earth either
in the horizontal or vertical plane, the results are shown in the
formof a map or plan or as calculated figure. The plan is later set
out on the ground

1.1.2 Plane surveying

Plane surveying is the surveying whereby the are to be surveyed
is small that
the curvature (shape) of the earth is not taken into account

1.1.3 Gravity
Gravity is the force the keeps the earth in equilibrium, keep us on
earth and
gives us the sense of balance. It acts towards the centre of the
earth

1.1.4 Topography
Topography is a survey done to locate the main natural and
artificial features
earth surface, e.g hills, rivers, roads, buildings etc

1.1.4.1 Planimetry
It is the representation, in plan, of the natural and man
made features

1.1.4.2 Relief
It is the indication, in plan, of variations in elevation of
the
surface of the land. Relief maybe shown in the
following methods

a) Colour layering
b) Shading
c) Contours
d) Form lines

1.1.5 Contour line

It is an imaginary line which links up a series of points of the same
level on the
surface of the earth

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1.1.6 Reduced level
It is the calculated height of a point above or below a datum as
deduced from
survey observation

1.1.7 Change point

Change point is the staff position at which a foresight reading was
taken and
later a backsight was taken

1.1.8 Invert level

It is the level of the inside bottom surface of the pipe

1.1.9 Field book

It is the book in which all the details of the survey are recorded by
the surveyor

1.1.10 Chainage
It is the distance to a point along a survey line, even though one
talk of taping a
line than say chaining a line

1.1.11 Booking
It is the entering of all survey information and measurements in
the field book

1.1.12 Setting out

Is the transfer of details from a drawing to a piece of ground

1.1.13 Zenith angle (Zenith distance)

It is the vertical angle measured from the vertical line (zenith line)
downward

1.1.14 Offset
It is a distance measured at right angle to a chain line to some
feature of the site
such as a tree, building etc

1.1.15 Height
It is the vertical distance of a feature above or below the datum or
reference
surface

1.1.16 Optical square

Is a hand held instrument used to set out right angles in a building
site

1.1.17 Dumpy
It is a common site name given to any levelling instrument

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1.1.18 Instrument
It is a common site name given to a surveying instrument on a
tripot

1.1.19 Distometer
It is an used together with a theodolite, it measures distance

1.1.20 Tri-beacon
It is the highest point of known height above sea level and of
known co-ordinates

1.1.21 Grid
It is the representation on a map, of a system of equally spaced
straight parallel lines
to Y and X of the co-ordinate system

CHAPTER 2

LINEAR MEASUREMENT
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CHAIN SURVEYING

2. CHAIN SURVEYING

2.1 METHODS OF FIXING A POINT

2.1.1 Offset method (rectangular)

Measure the perpendicular distance DC and the length of AD and BD

A B
D

2.1.2 Polar co-ordinates (bearing and distance / Length and direction)

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Measure angle A and the length of AC

A B

2.1.3 Intersecting arcs

Measure the length of AC and BC

A B

2.1.4 Triangulation (forward Intersection)

Measure angle A and angle B

A B

2.1.5 Trilateration (Resection)

Measure the angles formed at P by the rays to three known points A , B

and C

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a
P b B
c
C

2.2 Field problems

2.2.1 Ranging and measuring over a hill

(obstacle to line of sight but not to measurement)

C D

A B

Step 1 Rod holders C and D position themselves so that D can see A,

and C can see B
Step 2 C directs the rod holder of D into line between C and B

Step 3 D then directs the rod holder of C into line between A and D
Step 4 This will continue until no further movement is possible and they
all are in line

2.2.2 Measuring around a pond / Building

(obstacles to measurement but not to sight)

C D
A B E F

a) Bring the survey line to from A to B

b) Set off line BC at right angle to AB
c) Set off line CD at right angle to BC
d) Set off line DE at right angle to CD
e) At E set off line EF at right angle to DE
Distance BE = CD

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2.2.3 Measuring distance across a river

(obstacles to measurement but not to sight)

A D C

E
To find distance AB
a) Set off line AC at right angle to AB
b) Find D midpoint of AC
c) Set off line CE at right angle to AC
d) Move along line CE until point B and D are in line
e) This will be point F
Distance AB = CF

2.3 Methods of taping

2.3.1 Surface taping

Measuring with the tape laid on the ground and fully supported by
the ground

2.3.2 Catenary taping

Measuring with the tape suspended clear off the ground
Used when surface is very bad and involves the removal of grass,
shrubs etc along
The line of suvey

2.4 How step chaining is conducted on site

1. When step chaining is conducted the tape should be stretched out

horizontally from point A

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2. The distance is limited to the tape being held comfortably at waist
height
3. To obtain a true horizontal a plumb bob is held on the tape reading
and at the same point a
peg is put on the ground.
4. The zero point of the tape is place on the second peg and the
horizontal distance measured
using the waist height as our level.
5. This is repeated up until point B is reached

2.5 How the 3 – 4 – 5 method of setting out a right angle is

applied

1. Three people are needed

2. from the point at which the perpendicular line is required the tape is
held at zero and stretch
along the existing straight line for 4m and held by the second
assistant at that point
3. The third assistant pulls the tape at an acute angle towards the first
assistant holding the tape
at 7m
4. The remainder of the tape is held by the first assistant at 12m and
the whole system is
Stretched to form a right angle triangle

2.6 Five requirements to obtain sufficient accuracy when

taping

1. Tape must be held horizontal

2. Tape must be held on its correct zero mark
3. The correct tension must be applied to the tape
4. Remove all kinks
5. Tape must be held on correct pegs
6. View tape vertically over the peg
7. Measure the centre of ranging rod

2.7 Care of steel tape

1. Pull tape straight in the direction in which it is curled

2. Ensure that no kinks are present
3. Do not exceed standard pull
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4. Wipe tape with oily cloth after use to prevent rust
5. Do not allow vehicle to run over the tape

2.8 CHAINAGE CORRECTIONS

2.8.1 Constants ( length of tape too short or too long)

MD × ATL
CD =
GTL

CD = correct distance
MD = measured distance (length)
ATL = Actual tape length
GTL = Graduated tape length

2.8.2 Temperature

C = L ×e(Tm −Ts )

C = Temperature Correction
L = Measured distance (length)
e = Coefficient of linear expansion
Tm = Measured temperature
Ts = Standard temperature

2.8.3 Sag

3
L
w 2 L3 w2 ×  
C= for bay  3  ×3
24T 2 C=
24T 2
For Three bays

C = Sag correction
w = Mass of the tape in kg/m
L = Measured length (distance) in m
T = Measured tension in kgF

2.8.4 Slope

To calculate the horizontal distance To

calculate the slope distance

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C = L (1 − cos θ)
C = H (sec A −1)

Sc = Slope correction SC = Correction

L = Measured length of the slope H = Measured horizontal
distance
θ = Slope angle θ = Slope angle

2.8.5 Height at sea level

L×H
C=
R

CH = Correction
L = Measured length (distance)
H = Height above or below sea level
R = Earth radius (if given in km convert to m)

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OBSERVATION ANGLE

Z = Zenith distance
θ = Angle of elevation

Vertical Zenith line of sight

Zenith distance

Z Angle of elevation
θ
Horizontal

Z = 90º – θ
θ = 90º – Z

Zenith distance

θ Angle of depression

line of sight

Z = 90º + θ
θ = Z – 90º

NB: ALWAYS use angle θ which represents the angle of

Elevation or Depression
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EXAMPLE 1

QUESTION
Calculate the reduced horizontal distance, if the measured distance is 87,281
m at a slope if 86º 22’ 44”
the distance is measured is three bays at a temperature of 16 ºC

Standard temperature is 20ºC

Co-efficient of expansion is 1,13 x 10 −5 /ºC
Tension 65N
Mass of the tape is 0,015 kg/m
Earth radius is 6373 km
Height above sea level 2 280,544 m

SOLUTION

Given : ts = 20ºC e = 1,13 x 10 −5 /ºC T = 65N w = 0,015 kg/m R

= 6373 km H = 2280,544 m
L = 87,281 m θ = 90 – 86º 22’ 44”= 3º 37’ 16” tm = 16ºC

C = L × e(Tm −Ts )

C = 87 ,281 ×1,13 ×10 −5 (16 − 20 )

C = −0,0039

3
L
w × 
2

C=  3  ×3
24T 2
3
 87 ,281 
0,015 × 
2

 3  ( 65 N =
C= ×3
24 (6,5) 2

65
= 6,5 kgF )
10
C = 0,0164

C = L (1 − cos θ)

C = 8 7,2 8 1(1 − c o s3° 3 7'1 6" )

C = 0,1743 m

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L×H
C=
R

87 ,281 × 2280 ,544

C=
6373000
C = 0,0312 m

CD = 87,281 – 0,0039 – 0,0164 – 0,1743 – 0,0312 = 87,055 m

NB: CD = reduced distance or correct horizontal distance

EXAMPLE 2

QUESTION

Calculate the slope distance if the measured correct horizontal distance to be

measured is 98,285 and the slope is 2º 22’ 15”

SOLUTION

C = H (sec A −1)

C = 9 8,2 8 5(se c2° 2 2'1 5"− 1)

s e cA = 1
c o sA
C = 0,0842 m

Slope distance = 98,285 + 0,0842

= 98,369 m

OR

Slope =
9 8,2 8 5
c o s2° 2 2'1 5"
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= 98,369 m

EXERCISE 1
Question 1.1

The standard temperature of a tape is 14ºC and the coefficient of expansion is

0,000012/ºC
What is the reduced horizontal distance, if the measured distance is 32,40 m
on a slope of
5º 40’ and a temperature of 30ºC
Answer 32,248 m

Question 1.2

Given: Length of tape = 100m

Standard temperature = 20ºC
Coefficient of expansion = 1,13 × 10–5/ºC
Tension = 7 kg.f
Mass of tape = 0,015 kg/m
Radius of the earth = 6,373 km

1.2.1 Calculate the reduced horizontal distance, if the measured distance is

94,151 m
at a slope of 95º 15’. The distance is measured in three bays at a
temperature of
14ºC Answer: 93,732 m

1.2.2 Calculate distance at sea level if the height was 2 017,443 above sea
level,
use the distance in Question 2.1. Answer: 93,702 m

Question 1.3

A line A-D was measured in three sections

A-B 90,288 @ slope 3º 44’ 20”

B-C 72,408 @ slope 4º 32’ 59”
C-D 47,652 @ Slope 2º 09’ 07”

Calculate the horizontal distanceA-D Answer: 209,459 m

Question 1.4

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1.4.1 M to R is a distance to be pegged (as viewed on plan)
M to R lies on a slope of 0º 34’ 23” Calculate the distance on the slope
M to R to be measured to obtain the correct horizontal distance of 1000
m
Answer: 1000,050 m

1.4.2 Determine the horizontal distance of a measurement of 136,57 m that

was done on a
Slope of 3,64%
Answer: 136,479 m

Question 1.5

A measured distance of 164,81m was measured from T1 to T2 the reduced

distance is 160,49 m
Calculate the angle of the slope and the zenith distance
Answer: 13º 8′ 50,8″ ; 76º 51′ 7,24″

Question 1.6

A steel tape is used to measure a baseline A-B. Each measurement is done in

THREE bays
Calculate the correct baseline distance. Give the formula for each of your
calculations

A-B 94,01 m /96º 10’ @ 35ºC 83,14 m / 87º 30’ @ 11ºC

Length of tape = 100m

Standard temperature = 20ºC
Coefficient of expansion = 0,0000112/ºC
Tension = 70 N
Mass of tape = 0,015 kg/m

Answer: 176,504 m

Question 1.7

A 100 m steel tape was compared with a 100 m standard base. The length of
the base as
read on the tape was 99,997 m at a temperature of 22,4ºC. The coefficient of
linear
expansion is 0,000014/ºC. Calculate the standard temperature of the tape.

Answer: 19,768ºC

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CHAPTER 3

LEVELLING

(Height measurement)
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3. HEIGHT MEASUREMENT ( REDUCED LEVEL)

3.1 RISE AND FALL METHOD

Poin BS IS FS Rise Fall Reduced

t level
A 2,50 50,00
B 2,00 0,50 50,50
C 2,25 0,25 50,25
D 1,75 1,80 0,45 50,70
E 1,60 0,15 50,85
4,25 3,40 1,10 0,25 50,85
–3,40 –0,25 –50,00
0,85 0,85 0,85

Steps to follow:

a) Enter the backsight, intermediate sight and the foresight in the

appropriate column
in different rows. Except that at change point the FS and the BS
are entered in the
same row ( as in row D)

b) The first reduced level is the height of the O.B.M or other datum
which has been
used

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c) If the IS or FS in smaller than the immediately preceding staff
reading,
The difference between the two readings is placed in the rise
column

Example: immediately preceding reading of 2,00 in row B is

2,50 in row A
Therefore 2,50 – 2,00 = 0,50

d) If the IS or FS in larger than the immediately preceding staff

reading,
The difference between the two readings is placed in the fall
column

Example: immediately preceding reading of 2,25 in row C is 2,00

in row B
Therefore 2,00 – 2,25 = – 0,25

e) A rise is added to the immediately preceding reduced level entry

to obtain the
reduced level of a station.

Example: immediately preceding reduced level of row B is row A

= 50,00
Reduced level of B= 50,00 + 50 = 50,50

f) A fall is subtracted from the immediately preceding reduced level

entry

Example: immediately preceding reduced level of row C is row B

= 50,50
Reduced level of C = 50,50 – 0,25 = 50,25

Checking on booking

1) Sum up the BS readings and the FS readings

Subtract FS from the BS

Total BS = 2,50 + 1,75 = 4,25

Total FS = 1,80 + 1,60 = 3,40
Difference = 0,85

2) Sum up Rise and Fall

Subtract Fall from the Rise

Total Rise = 0,50 + 0,45 + 0,15 = 1,10

Total Fall = 0,25
Difference = 0,85
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3) Subtract the first reduced level from the last reduced level

Last reduced level = 50,85

First reduced level = 50,00
0,85

NOTE:
If all their differences are the same then the
calculation are correct

NOTE:
Any entry that is underlined 3,456 or has a line
ontop 3,456
means the entry is negative

Example : Rise and Fall method

NOTE: The numbers in brackets indicate the steps from the calculations below

Poin BS IS FS Rise Fall Reduced level

t
A 2,10 (A1) 130,50
9
B 3,20 (B1) 1,095 (B2)
4 129,405
C 3,11 1,374 (C1) 1,830 (C2)
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9 131,235
D 1,28 (D1) 4,400 (D2)
1 135,635
E 2,05 (E1) (E2)
4 0,773 136,408
F 1,90 2,200 (F1) 4,254 (F2)
6 132,154
G 1,65 1,812 (G1) 3,718 (G2)
4 135,872
H 2,850 (H1) 4,504 (H2)
131,368
5,48 4,612 10,721 9,853 131,368
0 –9,853 –130,50
– 0,868 0,868
4,61
2
0,86
8

Use the table above with the steps below to understand

A1. The BM is the reduced level in A which is 130,50

B1. To find the Rise or Fall in row B

BS in row A – IS in row B = Rise/Fall
2,109 – 3,204 = – 1,095 ( since its negative it is a Fall)

B2. To find the reduced level at B

Reduced level at A – Fall in B = Reduced level at B
2,109 – 3,204 = 129,405

C1. To find the Rise or Fall in row C

IS in row B – FS in row C = Rise/Fall
3,204 – 1,374 = 1,830 ( since its positive it is a Rise)

C2. To find the reduced level at C

Reduced level at B + Rise in C = Reduced level at C
129,405 + 1,830 = 131,235

D1. To find the Rise or Fall in row D

BS in row C – IS in row D = Rise/Fall
3,119 – ( –1,281) = 4,400 ( since its positive it is a Rise)

D2. To find the reduced level at D

Reduced level at C + Rise in D = Reduced level at D
131,235 + 4,400 = 135,635

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E1. To find the Rise or Fall in row E

IS in row D – IS in row E = Rise/Fall
(–1,281) – (–2,054) = 0,773 ( since its positive it is a Rise)

E2. To find the reduced level at E

Reduced level at D + Rise in E = Reduced level at E
135,635 + 0,773 = 136,408

F1. To find the Rise or Fall in row F

IS in row E – FS in row F = Rise/Fall
–2,054 – 2,200 = – 4,254 ( since its negative it is a Fall)

F2. To find the reduced level at F

Reduced level at E – Fall in F = Reduced level at F
136,408 – 4,4254 = 132,154

G1. To find the Rise or Fall in row G

BS in row F – FS in row G = Rise/Fall
1,906 – (–1,812) = 3,718 ( since its positive it is a Rise)

G2. To find the reduced level at G

Reduced level at F + Rise in G = Reduced level at C
132,154 + 3,718 = 135,872

H1. To find the Rise or Fall in row H

BS in row G – FS in row H = Rise/Fall
–1,654 – 2,850 = –4,504 ( since its negative it is a Fall)

H2. To find the reduced level at H

Reduced level at G – Fall in H = Reduced level at H
135,872 – 4,504 = 131,368

CHECK ON BOOKING

Total BS – Total FS = 5,480 – 4,612 = 0,868

Total Rise – Total Fall = 10,721 – 9,853 = 0,868

Last R/level – First R/Level = 131,368 – 130,50 = 0,868

Everything balances therefore correct

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EXERCISE 2
Question 2.1
Reduce the field notes using the rise and fall method. Do the necessary
checks
(If your calculation are correct then the check must give an answer of –1,6)

Poi BS IS FS Rise Fall Reduced Remarks

nt level
A 2,40 TBM
150,00
B 2,00
C 1,90
D 2,80 1,40
E 2,00
F 1,30 2,60
G 0,60 3,00
H 1,70
7,10 8,70
–
8,70
–1,6

Question 2.2
Reduce the field notes using the rise and fall method. Do the necessary
checks
(If your calculation are correct then the check must give an answer of 4,64)

Poi BS IS FS Rise Fall Reduced Remarks

nt level
A 0,49
0,27 3,29
0,39 3,77
3,72 3,59
1,1
1
3,56 0,82
BM 3,89 1,36 BM 1
025,00
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3,72 0,99
3,69 1,02
3,86 1,31
3,90 1,56
B 2,40
23,93 19,2
– 9
19,29
4,64

Question 2.3
Reduce the field notes using the rise and fall method. Do the necessary
checks
(If your calculation are correct then the check must give an answer of 4,09)

Poin BS IS FS Rise Fall Reduced level

t
BM 3,14 401,261
1 1
A 0,08
6
B 2,11 4,28
1 3
C 1,40
6
D 2,03
2
E 3,10 3,63
8 8
F 1,82 2,11
3 0
G 3,11
1
H 4,12 2,10
3 9
I 3,28
1
BM 3,08
2 3

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3.2 COLLIMATION HEIGHT METHOD

NOTE:

1. BS, IS and FS reading are entered as in the rise and fall method
2. The first reduced level entry is the height of the OBM
3. The first BS reading which is taken with the staff held on the OBM
is added to
the first reduced level to give the height of collimation and the
entries are place
in the same row
4. The height of collimation is change only when the levelling
instrument is moved
to a new position. The new height of collimation is obtained by
adding the new BS to the reduced level at the change point

EXAMPLE
Point BS IS FS Collimation height Reduced level
A 3,16 (A2) 141,66 (A1) 138,50
B 1,95 141,66 (B1) 139,71
C 4,16 3,97 (C2) 141,85 (C1) 137,69
D 1,62 141,85 (D1) 140,23

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NOTE: Collimation height at A is used to find all the reduced level of
B and C
But since C is a change point, the collimation height change

Step to follow

A1. The reduced level entered is the OBM or TBM etc given

A2 How find the collimation height at A

Reduced level at A + Backsight at A = Collimation height at A
138,50 + 3,16 = 141,66

B1. How to find reduced level at B

Collimation height at A – Inter-sight at B = Reduced level at B
141,66 – 1,95 = 139,71

C1 How to find the reduced level at C

Collimation height at A – Foresight at C = Reduced level at C
141,66 – 3,97 = 137,69

C2 How find the collimation height at C (Change point has both

BS and FS)
Reduced level at C + Backsight at C = Collimation height at C
137,69 + 4,16 = 141,85

D1 How to find the reduced level at D

Collimation height at C – Foresight at D = Reduced level at D
141,85 – 1,62 = 140,23

EXERCISE 3

Question 3.1

Reduce the following notes by using the collimation height method

Do the necessary checks

Poin BS IS FS Collimation Reduced

t height level
BM 2,4 150,00
0
A 2,0
0
B 1,9
0
C 2,8 1,40

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0
D 2,0
0
E 1,3 2,60
0
F 0,6 3,00
0
G 1,70

Question 3.2

Reduce the following notes by using the collimation height method

Do the necessary checks

Poin BS IS FS Collimation Reduced level

t height
BM 4,61 884,86
1
A 3,54
B 1,69
C 1,80 3,21
D 2,40
E 2,89 3,62
F 1,20
G 2,20
H 1,46
BM 1,20
2
5,70 1,61
–1,61
4,09

Question 3.3

Reduce the following notes by using the collimation height method

Do the necessary checks

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Poin BS IS FS Collimation Reduced
t height level
A 4,42
0
B 5,50
0
C 3,88
0
D 3,16 1,47
0 0
E 1,95
0
F 4,55
0
G 4,65 3,97 145,990
0 0
H 3,90
0
I 6,32
0
J 2,34
0
K 4,16 1,62
0 0
L 1,62
0
M 5,20
0

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3.3 RECIPROCAL LEVELLING

y1 y

x x1

station 1
C
station 2 3m
D
3m

Let us assume the following staff reading

Reading taken 3m from C Reading taken 3m from
D
C (y = 1,480m) D (x =
1,738m)
D (y1 = 1,852m ) C (x1 = 1,380)

One can see that all reading taken when staff was at C are larger than
that of staff at D
We can therefore say a point with larger reading is lower and the one
with smaller
readings is high. In this case we can say point D is lower and C is higher

Therefore to find the reduced level of point use the following

1. Calculate the difference from readings taken at station C (e.g
between x and x1 )

2 Calculate the difference from readings taken at station D (e.g

between y and y 2
3 Calculate the mean difference between the stations
4 Calculate the Reduced level required
4.1 R/L of a lower point = R/L of a higher point – mean
difference

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4.1 R/L of a higher point = R/L of a lower point +
mean difference

EXAMPLE
Using the data given let, let us say that the reduced level of D is
352,710m
And we need to calculate the reduced level of C

Solution

Difference between readings taken 3m from C = 1,852 – 1,480

= 0,372 m

Difference between readings taken 3m from D = 1,738 – 1,380

= 0,358 m

0,372 + 0,358
Mean difference =
2
= 0,365 m

Reduced level of C = 352,710 – 0,365

= 352,345

EXERCISE 4
Question 4.1

4.1.1 The following readings were taken by ‘reciprocal’ levelling across a

swamp.
What is the correct elevation of point B if the elevation of A is 100,00 m

Reading taken 3m from A Reading taken 3m from D

A 2,91 B 1,71
B 2,49 A 1,39

4.1.2 Make a neat sketch showing the above mentioned set ups and readings

Question 4.2

3,35 1,95

2,85 1,55

B
3m
A
3m

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 33

The above sketch shows the reading taken by reciprocal levelling across a
river. If the elevation
Of B is 139,50 Calculate the Reduced level of A

Question 4.3

4.3.1 The following readings were taken by ‘reciprocal’ levelling across a

swamp.
What is the correct elevation of point B if the elevation of A is 123,50 m

Reading taken 3m from A Reading taken 3m from D

A 1,50 B 3,30
B 1,00 A 3,00

4.3.2 Make a neat sketch showing the above mentioned set ups and readings

CHAPTER 4

TACHEOMETRIC
33
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LEVELLING

4. TACHEOMETRY

Use of Vertical angles

MH
VD
B

θ Δh
Height of B
IH

Height of A

Datum line

When the instrument is at a lower point

( that means the angle given is less than 90º measured from the vertical line)
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 35

Higher point = Lower point + IH + VD – MH

This means :
Reduced level B = height of A + Instrument height + vertical distance
– mean height

θ
IH
VD
A

Δh
Height of A MH

B
Height of B

Datum line

When the instrument is at a higher point

( that means the angle given is more than 90º measured from the vertical
line)

Lower point = Higher point + IH – VD – MH

This means :
Reduced level B = height of A + Instrument height – vertical distance
– mean height

FORMULAE

1. I = TH – BH

TH =Top hair
BH = Bottom hair

2. VD = KI cosθ Sinθ or VD = 1 2 KI sin 2θ (cosθ Sinθ

= 1 2 sin 2θ)

VD = Vertical distance
K = 100
I = as calculated in 1
35
 36
θ = Slope angle

TH + BH
3. MH =
2

MH = Mean height

4. HD = KI cos2 θ

HD = Horizontal distance

VD
5. m= or m = tan −1 θ
HD

m = gradient

Example
Given The height of point A is 24,135m, height of instrument at A is
1,60m
TH = 3,01
BH = 2,41
vertical angle is 86º 30’

Required to calculate 1.1 The reduced level of B

1.2 The horizontal distance A-B

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 37
SOLUTION

1.1 θ = 90 – 86º 30’ ( A is lower than B)

= 3º 30’

TH + BH
MH =
2
3,01 + 2,41
MH =
2
MH = 2,71

VD = KI cosθ Sinθ
VD = 100(3,01 – 2,41) cos3º 30’ Sin 3º 30’
= 3,656m

Reduced level at B = 24,135 + 1,60 + 3,656 – 2,71

= 26,681m

1.2 HD = KI cos2 θ
HD = 100(3,01 – 2,41) (cos 3º 30’)2
= 59,776m

EXERCISE 5

Question 5.1

If the height of point A is 900,00m and the height of the instrument at A is

1,162m
Observation to point B
TH = 3,492
BH =1,250
Vertical angle = 97º 24’ 00”
5.1.1 Calculate the Reduced level of point B
5.1.2 Calculate the horizontal distance A-B

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 38
Answers 870,156m 220,480m

Question 5.2

A surveyor obtained the following information between two points, A and B:

Height of A = 430,17m
Instrument height at A = 1,56m
Stadia reading 0,97 1,43 1,89
Vertical angle = 82º 10’ 40”
5.2.1 Calculate the horizontal distance A-B
5.2.2 Calculate the Reduced level of B
Answer : 90,296m 442,705m

Question 5.3

A theodolite is set up at point P and the height of the instrument is 1,61m. The
elevation of
Point Q is 1 718,440m
TH = 2,14
BH = 0,93
Vertical angle = 96º 10’
Calculate the height of point P
Answer : 1 731,288m

Question 5.4

A theodolite is set up at point A and the height of the instrument is 1,20m.

When sighted to a staff held at B, the upper and lower stadia lines read 2,00
and 0,80 respectively. The angle of elevation of the instrument is 6º 20’

Calculate the Reduced level of A if the reduced level of B is 104,68m

Answer : 917,23m

Question 5.5

A theodolite is set up at point C and the instrument height is 1,58m. The

elevation of C is
2 015,67m. Sighting staff held at D, the following observation are recorded

STADIA CIRCLE READINGS

TH MH BH VERTICAL HORIZONTAL

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2,55 1,6 0,65 98º 16’ 00” 210º 50’ 40”

Calculate:
5.5.1 Vertical angle
5.5.2 Vertical distance
5.5.3 Horizontal distance
5.5.4 Height of D
5.5.6 The slope distance
5.5.7 The gradient of the slope

Answer: ---- 27,034 186,072 1988,616 188,026 0,145

Question 5.6

6.1 If the angle of elevation is of the instrument 5º 22’ 30”. Calculate the
zenith distance
6.2 If the angle of depression is of the instrument 6º 25’ 32”. Calculate the
zenith distance
6.3 If the vertical circle reading 97º 30’ 35”. Calculate the vertical angle
and state whether
it is an angle of elevation or depression
6.4 If the vertical circle reading 82º 18’ 45”. Calculate the vertical angle
and state whether
it is an angle of elevation or depression
Answer not given

Question 5.7

The following information was recorded during field survey

The slope distance from point C to D is 500m

The reduced level at point C is 1,284m
The reduced level at point D is 12,484m

Calculate the following:

5.7.1 The horizontal distance A to B

5.7.2 The slope angle at A

Answer: 499,875m 1,284º

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 40

CHAPTER 5

TRAVERSING

5.1 MEAN OBSERVATION ANGLE (Use of horizontal angles)

40
 41
CIRCLE LEFT
NORTH
When this circle on the left of the telescope is turned to face left
The readings will be between º and 180º
Usually in the vicinity of 90º

Direction of sight
360º start position
0º

B 25º 40’ 05”

G 289º 34’ 00”

C 80º 22’ 40”

270º A 90º

F 229º 20’ 10”

E 186º 31’ 50” D 135º

14’ 20”

180º

CIRCLE RIGHT
NORTH
With the circle on the right of the telescope
The readings will be between 180º and 360º
Usually in the vicinity of 270º

180º
Direction of sight
Start
position

B 205º 40’ 25”

G 109º 34’ 14”

C 260º 22’ 40”

90º 270º

41
 42

F 49º 21’ 10”

E 06º 31’ 20” D 315º

14’ 30”
0º
360º

ENTRY OF THE READINGS

Poin Circle Left Circle Right Mean Correcti Corrected

t angle on Angle
B 25º 40’ 05” 205º 40’
20”
C 80º 22’ 40” 260º 22’ 40”
D 135º 14’ 315º 14’
20” 30”
E 186º 31’ 06º 31’ 20”
50”
F 229º 20’ 49º 21’ 10”
10”
G 289º 34’ 109º 34’
00” 14”
B 25º 40’ 05” 205º 40’
25”

5.1.1 How to calculate the mean observation

angle

5.1.1.1. Given the reading of one point ONLY

When the Circle right is Smaller than Circle left add 180º to
Circle right
When the Circle right is larger than Circle left subtract 180º
from Circle right

Example

Given Circle left Circle right

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128º 45’ 12” 308º 45’ 20”

Solution (Circle right is larger 308º – 180º = 128º)

This is enter as in the following table

Point Circle Left Circle Right Mean angle

128º 45’ 12” 308º 45’ 20”
128º 45’ 12” 128º 45’ 128º 45’
20” 16”

128 °45 '12 "+128 °45 '20 "

NOTE: Mean angle = = 128º
2
45’ 16”

5.1.1.2 Given reading from more than one point

Example Given : Circle left Circle right

A 87º 40’ 20” 267º 40’ 35”
B 110º 32’ 30” 290º 32’ 45”
C 184º 14’ 20” 04º 13’ 33”
D 286º 25’ 30” 106º 25’ 50”
A 87º 40’ 40” 267º 40’ 55”

Solution: (Use the table with the calculations below)

Circle left Circle right Mean angle Correct Corrected

ion angle
A 87º 267º
40’ 20” 40’ 35”
B 110º 290º
32’ 30” 32’ 45”
(1) 22º (2) 22º (3) 22º 22º 52’
52’ 10” 52’ 10” 52’ 10” 5" 05”
B 110º 290º
32’ 30” 32’ 45”
C 184º 04º
14’ 20” 13’ 33”
(4) 73º (5) 73º (6) 73º 73º 41’
41’ 50” 41’ 48” 41’ 49” 5" 44”
C 184º 04º
14’ 20” 13’ 33”
D 286º 106º
25’ 30” 25’ 50”

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 44
(7) 102º (8) 102º (9) 102º 102º 11’
11’ 10” 11’ 17” 11’ 13,5” 5" 8,5”
D 286º 106º
25’ 30” 25’ 50”
A 87º 267º
40’ 40” 40’ 55”
(10) 161º (11) 161º (12) 161º 161º 15’
15’ 10” 15’ 05” 15’ 7,5” 5" 2,5”
Total 360º 00’ 20”
360º 00’ 00”

2
0 "
Correction = = 5"
4
STEPS TO FOLLOW

NOTE: When the number subtracting is smaller add 360º to the

number

B minus A

1. 110º 32’ 30” – 87º 40’ 20” = 22º 52’ 10”

2. 290º 32’ 45” – 267º 40’ 35” = 22º 52’ 10”
(1) + (2) = 45º 44’ 20”

44 °44 '20 "

3. Mean angle = = 22º 52’ 10”
2
C minus B

4. 184º 14’ 20” – 110º 32’ 30” = 73º 41’ 50”

5. 364º 13’ 33” – 290º 32’ 45” = 73º 41’ 48” ( add 360º
to the 4º)
(4) + (5) = 147º 23’ 38”

147 °41 '48 "

6. Mean angle = = 73º 41’ 49”
2
D minus C

7. 286º 25’ 30” – 184º 14’ 20” = 102º 11’ 10”

8. 106º 25’ 50” – 04º 13’ 33” = 102º 11’ 17”
(7) + (8) = 204º 22’ 27”

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 45
204 °22 '27 "
9. Mean angle = = 102º 11’ 13,5”
2

A minus D

10 447º 40’ 40” – 286º 25’ 30” = 161º 15’ 10” ( add 360º
to the 87º)
11 267º 40’ 55” – 106º 25’ 50” = 161º 15’ 05”
(10) + (11) = 322º 30’ 15”

322 °30 '15 "

12. Mean angle = = 161º 15’ 7,5”
2

13. Add ALL the mean angles

14. If the answer is less than 360
Divide the difference by the number of mean angle
Add the answer to each mean angle

15. If the answer is more than 360

Divide the difference by the number of mean angle
Subtract the answer from each mean angle

From the example above :

In this case the total mean angles is 360º 00’ 20” which is 20” more
Therefore divide 20” by 4 and the answer is 5”
We then subtract 5” from each mean angle

OTHER FORMULAE

Collimation error (E)

1
E= [( CR −180 °) − CL ]
2

CL = Circle left
CR = Circle right

Index error

E = ( CL + CR) – 360º

EXERCISE 6
45
 46

QUESTION 6.1

The following reading were obtained from a survey station “P”.

Calculate the mean observed angles QPR , RPS, SPT, TPQ
Check the calculations

Target Circle left Circle right

station
Q 168 : 11 : 348 : 11 : 42
43
R 17 : 11 : 197 : 11 : 56
50
S 104 : 03 : 284 : 03 : 43
42
T 105 : 04 : 285 : 04 : 43
43
Q 168 : 11 : 348 : 11 : 42
45

QUESTION 6.2

The following reading were obtained from a survey station “A”.

Calculate the mean observed angles BAC , CAD, DAE, EAF, FAG, GAB
Check the calculations

Target Circle left Circle right

station
B 07 : 00 : 40 187 : 01 : 00
C 96 : 43 : 20 276 : 43 : 00
D 187 : 22 : 10 07 : 21 : 50
E 204 : 15 : 15 24 : 15 : 40
F 276 : 35 : 10 96 : 35 : 50
G 342 : 20 : 05 162 : 20 : 00
B 07 : 01 : 00 187 : 00 : 40

Question 6.3

6.3.1 A direction on a circle left observation of a theodolite was 36º 10’ 21”.
The same direction on a
circle right observation was 216º 11’ 08”.
Calculate the collimation error of the theodolite

6.3.2 Vertical angle on the circle left and circle right to a distant point are
CL 93º 56’ 10”
CR 266º 04’ 40”
Calculate the index error of the theodolite

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 47
6.3.3 The following directions were observed from A to R. Reduce the mean
direction
Cirlce left Circle right
96º 43’ 20” 276º 43’ 00”

6.3.4 The following directions were observed from P toQ. Reduce the mean
direction
Cirlce left Circle right
7º 01’ 00” 187º 00’ 40”

5.2 CO – ORDINATES (JOIN CALCULATIONS)

SA co-ordinate system

–x (180º)

((θ + 90) (θ + 180)

+y (90º) – y (270º)

θ (θ + 270)

+x (0º and 360º)

FORMULAE

∆y AB = y B − y A

∆x AB = x B − x A

Note: If given AB ( meaning from A to B) then its B minus A

If given BA ( meaning from B to A) then its A minus B

Distance or length

AB = (∆y ) 2 +( ∆x ) 2

Direction or angle

−1  ∆y 
θ = tan  
 ∆x 

NOTE:
2. To get the direction ( D) use the following
47
 48
2.1 If ∆y is positive and ∆x is positive, we are in the 1 quadrant
st

−1  ∆y 
D = tan  
 ∆x 
2.2 If ∆y is positive and ∆x is negative, we are in the 2nd quadrant
−1  ∆y 
D = tan   + 90
 ∆x 
2.3 If ∆y is negative and ∆x is negative, we are in the 3rd quadrant
−1  ∆y 
D = tan   + 180 2.4 If ∆y is negative and ∆x is positive, we are in
 ∆x 
−1 ∆y 
the 4th quadrant D = tan   + 270
 ∆x 
EXAMPLE

Question
The co-ordinates of point A and B are
Y X
A – 248,17 – 58,47
B – 150,27 – 260,80
Calculate the orientated direction and distance between A and B
(

Answer ( remember it’s A to B )

∆y AB = y B − y A

∆y AB = −150 − ( −248 ,17 )

= 97,9

∆x AB = x B − x A
∆x AB = −260 ,80 − ( −58 ,47 )
= −202 ,33

Distance from A to B
AB = ( ∆y ) 2 + ( ∆x ) 2
AB = (97 ,9) 2 +( −202 ,33 ) 2
AB =224 ,771 m

−1  ∆y 
θ = tan  
 ∆x 
−1  97 ,9 
θ = tan  
 202 ,33 
θ = 25º 49′ 14,24″

Since ∆y is negative and ∆x is positive, we are in the 4th quadrant D=

 ∆y 
tan −1   + 270
 ∆x 
48
 49
∴Direction = 25º 49′ 14,24″ + 270
= 295º 49′ 14,24″

Question
The co-ordinates of point A and B are
Y X
A – 248,17 – 58,47
B – 150,27 – 260,80
Calculate the orientated direction and distance between B and A
(

Answer ( remember it’s B to A )

∆y BA = y A − y B

∆y BA = −248 ,17 − ( −150 )

= −97 ,9

∆x BA = x A − x B
∆x BA = −58 ,47 − (−260 ,80 )
= 202 ,33 m

Distance from A to B
AB = ( ∆y ) 2 + ( ∆x ) 2
AB = ( −97 ,9) 2 +( 202 ,33 ) 2
AB =224 ,771 m

−1  ∆y 
θ = tan  
 ∆x 
−1  97 ,9 
θ = tan  
 202 ,33 
θ = 25º 49′ 14,24″

Since ∆y is positive and ∆x is negative, we are in the 2nd quadrant D=

 ∆y 
tan −1   + 90
 ∆x 

∴Direction = 25º 49′ 14,24″ + 90

49
 50
= 115º 49′ 14,24″

EXERCISE 7

7.1 The co-ordinates of point A and B are

Y X
A +310 248,17 – 1 058,47
B +309 295,17 – 1 688,04
Calculate the orientated direction and distance between A and B

7.2 The co-ordinates of point A and B are

Y X
A –467,89 +120,45
B –120,45 +467,89

Calculate the orientated direction and distance between B and A

7.3 Study the information below showing point that formulate boundaries of
a property. Calculate the lengths of all the side of the property

SIDES (Metres) ANGLES OF CO-ORDINATES

DIRECTION Y
Constant: 0,00 +3 700 000,00

AB 335 : 24 : 20 A – 53 937,40 + 60 210,88

BC 66 : 04 : 20 B – 53 963,29 + 60 267,26
CD 155 : 24 : 20 C – 53 930,38 + 60 281,86
DE 246 : 04 : 20 D – 53 918,31 + 60 255,49
EF 155 : 24 : 20 E – 53 921,96 + 60 253,86
FA 246 : 04 : 20 F – 53 908,23 + 60 223,86

* 377 P5 – 54 006,63 + 60 267,44

* 378 P5 – 53 879,14 + 60 320,80

All beacons are 12 mm iron pegs

723 F 726

E
D

50
 51
B

728

Scale 1/1000
The figure A B C D E F represents 2100 square metres of land being
ERF PORTION OF ERF WALMER
Situated in the municipality and Administrative District of Port Elizabeth surveyed in June 1981
This diagram is annexed to The original diagram is File No s/7902/94

No S.R No
Dated No 7494/1981 annexed to
i.f.o Transfer/Grant Comp. BO-8CC/x43
Registrar of Deeds No

CHAPTER 6

SETTING OUT

51
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6.1 How a traveller is used with profiles to control excavation and

foundation levels

a) Two profiles ate place at each end of the excavation.

b) A small cross bar is fixed at each profile at a level equal to the
invert level of the
excavation plus the traveller (follower)
c) The depth if the excavation is therefore controlled by dipping the
traveller such
that the line of sight between the two bars of the profiles is in line
with that of the
cross bar of the traveller

6.2 How to set up a rectangular site along a road and use the road
as a reference on the site plan

a) Offsets must be taken from the road reserve to the boundary of

the site that is required
b) A baseline parallel to the road drawn.
c) The corresponding chainage of the site boundary are then
identified
d) the required site shape is then set out from the baseline

6.3 On site, how to set out two points A and B stationed on a third
point known co-ordinates

a) Set up the instrument and calculate the direction between the

point on which the instrument
is set up and point A and the distance between the two points
b) Also calculate the direction between the point on which the
instrument is set up and point B
and the distance between the two points

52
 53
c) Orientate direction from instrument to point A and measure the
distance and put a peg
d) Swing the instrument to point B using the calculated direction of
point B and measure the
distance from the instrument to point B and put a peg

6.4 How to set out a rectangular proposed building using simple

surveying instrument for
earthworks

Equipment: 100m tape, Four steel pegs or droppers ± 2m long, Lime,

Fish line,
Levelling instrument. Traveller ± 2m high
Measure the distance of the proposed structure from all the four corners
and make it ± 1m less
From each side of the building.
Put the steel pegs or droppers on these new found points and mark
them for a 2m traveller
taking the 150m depth of the top soil into consideration
The area to be removed top soil is the one that is indicated by ABCD

A B

C D

6.5 CUT AND FILL

Ground level

Depth of excavation at A
A
Depth of
excavation at B
Invert level at A Δh

Invert level at B

Steps to follow:

1. Calculating the Fall ( difference in height)

53
 54

Δh = gradient x distance from first to the last point

2. Calculating the invert level of the first point

Invert level at A = ground level – excavation

3. Calculating the invert level of the last point

Invert level at B = invert level at A – Δh

4 Calculating invert level at other points

e.g. chainage is 00 20 40 55 60

invert level at 00 is the invert level of the first point

invert level at 60 is the invert level of the last point
Invert level at 20 = invert level at A – gradient (20 )
Invert level at 40 = invert level at A – gradient (40 )
Invert level at 55 = invert level at 40 – gradient (55 )

5. How to determine Cut or Fill

Ground level of a point – invert level of that point = Cut or Fill

If the answer is positive then it is a Cut

If the answer is negative then it is a Fill

EXAMPLE

Given :

Chainage Ground
level
A 0 50,76
20 50,00
40 45,75
45 47,28
B 60 49 20

The information above refers to a drain between point A and B. The depth of
excavation at A is 1,96m
and the fall from A to B is 1:40. Calculate the Cut and Fill in metres

1. Δh = gradient x distance
Δh = 0,025 ×60 NOTE:
54
 55
Δh = 1,5m

2. Invert level at A = 50,76 – 1,96

= 48,8 m (write this figure in the invert level column as
shown in table 1)

3. Invert level at B = 48,8 – 1,5

= 47,3 m (write this figure in the invert level column as
shown in table 1)

4. Invert level at 20 = 48,8 – 0,025(20)

= 48,3 m (write this figure in the invert level column as
shown in table 1)

5. Invert level at 40 = 48,8 – 0,025(40)

= 47,8 m (write this figure in the invert level column as
shown in table 1)

6. Invert level at 45 = 48,8 – 0,025(45)

= 47,675 m (write this figure in the invert level column
as shown in table 1)

calculating the cut and fill

At 00 chainage 50,76 – 48,8 = 1,96 Cut

At 20 chainage 50,00 – 48,3 = 1,70 Cut
At 40 chainage 45,75 – 47,8 = –2,05 Fill
At 45 chainage 47,28 – 47,675 = –0,395 Fill
At 60 chainage 50,76 – 48,8 = 1,96 Cut

Table 1
Chainage Ground Invert Cut Fill
level levels
A 0 50,76 48,8 1,96
20 50,00 48,3 1,70
40 45,75 47,8 2,05
45 47,28 47,675 0,395
B 60 49,20 47,3 1,90

EXERCISE 8

Quesrtion 8.1
A drain is laid between A and B. The excavation at A is 1,58m and the fall from
A to B is 1:75
Calculate the cut and fill in metres. Use the data given below
Chainage Ground
level

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 56
A 0 250,15
20 251,26
40 247,99
60 252,56
65 253,01
80 247,323
100 250,08
B 120 249,67

Question 8.2
A drain is laid between a House (H) and the manhole (M). the depth of the
excavation at House
1,368m and the fall from the house to the manhole is 0,76%. Use the
information given below to
calculate the cut and fill in metres

Chainange Ground level

House 0 322,80
25 326,42
40 327,42
60 320,42
75 319,46
80 324,22
100 325,44
105 326,47
Manhole 120 322,10

Question 8.3

The information below refers to the details of a drain which is to be laid

between P and Q. the depth
of the excavation at Q is 2,4m the rise from Q to P is 0,82%. Calculate the
invert level at the different
points and also the Cut and Fill

Chainange Ground level

P 0 420,90
15 424,40
25 425,43
40 420,42
60 419,46
75 424,22
80 425,44
100 426,47
Q 120 420,20

Question 8.4

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 57
A drain is laid between A and B. The Reduced level at B is 47,3m and the fall
from A to B is 1:80
Calculate the cut and fill in metres. Use the data given below
Chainage Ground Invert level
level
A 0 50,76
20 50,00
40 47,16
60 49,57
80 49,00
100 48,80
B 120 48,50 47,30

6.6 LENGTH AND THE SLOPE OF DRAINAGE PIPE

]

∆h
1. Slope = ∆chainage

57
 58
Δh = difference between invert levels
Δchainage (distance) = difference between chainage

2. Length of the pipe = ( ∆h) 2 +( ∆chainage )2

NOTE: Length of pipe is the same as the length of the slope

∆h
3. Slope as a percentage of the pipe = ∆chainage ×100 %

EXAMPLE

QUESTION
A
B

58
 59

DATUM MSL 300

310,80
GROUND LEVEL

309,278
INVERT LEVEL

DISTANCE 4600,00
( CHAINAGE)
312,40
311,100
4660,00
309,22
307,900
4736,60

The diagram below shows a longitudinal section of a pipeline

1. Calculate the total length of the piping required from A to C

2. Calculate the slope as a percentage of the pipeline
3. Calculate the slope as a ratio from A to B and B to C

59
 60

SOLUTION
1.1 AB = ( ∆h) 2 + (∆chainage )2
AB = (311 ,10 −309 ,278 ) 2 + ( 4660 − 4600 )2
AB = (1,822 ) 2 + ( 60 ) 2
AB =60 ,028 m

BC = ( ∆h) 2 +( ∆chainage )2
BC = (311 ,10 −307 ,9) 2 + ( 4736 ,6 − 4660 )2
BC = ( 3,2) 2 + ( 76 ,6) 2
BC = 76 ,667 m

Total length AC = 60,028 + 76,667

= 136,695 m

311 ,10 − 309 ,278

2. slope A to B = ×100
4660 − 4600
= 3,037 %

311 ,10 −307 ,9

slope B to C = ×100
4736 ,6 − 4660

= 4,178 %

311 ,10 − 309 ,278

3 slope A to B =
4660 − 4600
1,822
=
60
1
=
32 ,931

Ratio = 1 : 32,931

311 ,10 −307 ,9

slope B to C =
4736 ,6 −4660

3,2
=
76 ,6
1
=
23 ,938

Ratio = 1 : 23,938

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EXERCISE 9

Question 9.1

The diagram below is a longitudinal section of a pipeline

Carefully study the drawing and calculate the following:
9.1.1 the length of the required piping between point A and B and B and C and
C and D
9.1.2 The slope as a percentage of the pipeline between A and B and B and C
and C and D
9.1.3 The slope as a ratio of the pipeline between A and B and B and C

B
C

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200
DATUM MSL

62
 DISTANCE
INVERT LEVEL
GROUND LEVEL

207,90 209,48 3936,6 208,00 209,32 3923,0 211,02 212,20 3860,0 211,200 212,50 3800,0 209,489 210,90

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63
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Question 9.2

A sewer internal reticulation longitudinal section MHO20 – MHO26 is shown

below

9.2.1 Calculate the length on the pipeline between MHO23 and MHO25
9.2.2 Calculate the slope of the terrain between MHO24 and MHO25

PIPE

NGL

MHO20

MHO21
MHO22

MHO23

MHO24

MHO25

MHO26

Datum 55m

64
 INVERT LEVEL

CHAINAGE (m)
GROUND LEVEL

150,912 63 592 62,337 91,912 65,894 64,510 63,914 54,890 45,956 66,581
18,194 65,134 65,597
00,000 67,309 65,900

65
65
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ANNEXURE C
REESTON INTERNAL SERVICES
AREA C – AS-BUILT
Question 9.3 SEWER LEVELS

From ANNEXURE C on REESTON INTERNAL SERVICES AREA C’-SEWER

LAYOUT details junction C1 – C7

(NB: There are five sections of the pipeline to be considered)

Calculate the total length of pipework C1 to C7

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Question 9.4

The information below is for a layout plan of a pipeline from MHO10 – MHO134

Calculate the pipe length required from

9.4.1 MHO10 to MHO16

9.4.2 MHO16 to MHO15
9.4.3 MHO15 to MHO14
9.4.4 MHO14 to MHO13

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6.7 Calculating the staff reading and height of sight

rails (SR)

Collimation line

Staff staff reading at A

Staff reading at B

datum
A

Traveller
sight rail

Invert level A
B

Δh

Invert level B

NOTE: This is base on the assumption that we are given the Depth of
excavation
And the ground level at A

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Step 1 Calculate the collimation height
Collimation height = BS + BM

Step 2 Calculate the fall (difference in height)

Δh = gradient x distance

Step 3 Calculate the Invert level at A (if not given invert level
of A)
Invert level at A = Ground level – Excavation

Step 4 Calculate the Invert level at B

Invert level at B = Invert level at A – Δh

Step 5 Calculate the staff reading at A

Staff reading at A = Collimation height – (Invert level at A +
height of the traveller)

Step 6 Calculate the staff reading at B

Staff reading at B = Collimation height – (Invert level at B +
height of the traveller)

EXAMPLE
Question

A drain PQ is to be set out using a tilting level, given the following information

Length of the drain 225m

Gradient PQ falling from P to Q at 0,80%
Ground level at P is 229,38m
Depth of excavation at P 0,90m
Length of the traveller (Boning rod) is 1,90m

A backsight of 1,50m is taken on a benchmark with an elevation of 230,31m

Calculate the staff reading necessary to locate sight rails over P and Q

SOLUTION
Collimation height = 1,5 + 230,31
= 231,81

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 70
0,8
Falling = × 200 = 1,6
100

Invert level at P = 229,38 – 0,9

= 228,48

Invert level at Q = 228,48 – 1,6

= 226, 88

Staff reading at P = 231 ,81 −( 228 ,48 +1,9 )

= 1,43

Staff reading at Q = 231 ,81 −( 226 ,88 +1,9 )

= 3,03

EXERCISE 10

Question 10.1

A drain AB is to be set out using a tilting level, given the following information

Length of the drain 200m

Gradient AB falling from A to B at 1 : 125
Ground level at A is 207,49m
Depth of excavation at A 1,00m
Length of the traveller (Boning rod) is 2,00m

A backsight of 1,50m is taken on a benchmark with an elevation of 208,21m

Calculate the staff reading necessary to locate sight rails over A and B

Question 10.2

A drain PQ is to be set out using a tilting level, given the following information

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 71

Length of the drain 225m

Gradient PQ falling from P to Q at 0,80%
Ground level at P is 229,38m
Depth of excavation at P 0,90m
Length of the traveller (Boning rod) is 1,90m

A backsight of 1,60m is taken on a benchmark with an elevation of 230,31m

Calculate the staff reading necessary to locate sight rails over P and Q

Question 10.3

A drain AB is to be set out using an automatic levelling instrument from the

following information

Length of the drain pipe 155m

Gradient AB falling from A to B at 1 : 180
Invert level of pipe at A 100,400m
Thickness of the pipe 30mm
Bedding depth 50mm
Length of the traveller (Boning rod) is 1,800m

A backsight of 1,400m is taken on a benchmark with an elevation of 102,220m

Calculate the staff reading necessary to locate sight rails over A and B

Question 10.4

Calculate the staff readings necessary to locate sight rails over N and M.
Given the following information

Length of the drain pipe 165m

Gradient NM rising from N to M at 1 : 100
Invert level of pipe at N is 280,400m
Length of the traveller (Boning rod) is 2,00m

A backsight of 2,60m is taken on a benchmark with an elevation of 282,00m

Calculate the staff reading necessary to locate sight rails over N and M

Question 10.5

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 72
Calculate the staff readings necessary to locate sight rails over A and B
Given the following information

Length of the drain pipe 180m

Gradient AB rising from A to B at 0,75%
Ground level at P is 312,50m
Depth of excavation at P is 1,00m
Length of the traveller (Boning rod) is 2,00m

A backsight of 1,80m is taken on a benchmark with an elevation of 195,00m

Calculate the staff reading necessary to locate sight rails over A and B

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CHAPTER 7

AREAS AND VOLUMES

7.1 AREA
Difference between the ordinate and mid-ordinate
Given the following Sketch

5m 6m 7m

3m

5m and 7m are ordinate

5+7
= 6 m, ( 6m is in the middle of 5 and 7)
2

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 74
mid-ordinate = sum of two ordinate divide by two

FORMULAE

7.1.1 Mid ordinate rule

a) If given mid-ordinates

Area = width x sum of the mid ordinates

Example
Given: mid-ordinate 6, 8, 7, 4 all in m and the width between
the ordinate is 10m

Area = 10( 6 + 8 + 7 + 4)
Area = 250 m2

b) If given ordinates

1st + last ..ord

Area = width + sum ..of ..other ..ordinates
2

Example
Given: ordinate 8, 7, 9, 6, 5, 3, 0 all in m and the width between
the ordinate is 15m

8 + 0 
Area = 15  + 7 + 9 + 6 + 5 + 3
 2 
Area = 15 x 34
Area = 510 m2
7.1.2 Trapezoidal rule (ONLY when given ordinates)

Area =
2
[
width st
1 + last + 2( sum ..of ..other ..ordinates ) ]

Example
Given: ordinate 8, 7, 9, 6, 5, 3, 0 all in m and the width between the
ordinate is 10m

15
Area = [8 + 0 + 2(7 + 9 + 6 + 5 + 3)]
2
Area = 7,5 x 68
Area = 510 m2

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 75

7.1.3 Simpson’s rule (ONLY when given ordinates)

Area =
3
[
width st
1 + last + 4( sum ..of ..even ..ord ) + 2( sum ..of ..odd ..ord ) ]

Example
Given: ordinate 8, 7, 9, 6, 5, 3, 0 all in m and the width between the
ordinate is 15m

15
Area = [8 + 0 + 4(7 + 6 + 3) + 2(9 + 5)]
3
Area = 5 x 100
Area = 500 m2

Exercise 11
Question 11.1
From a straight line AB Offsets to the bank of a river are

A B
Distance (m) 00 50 100 150 200
0ffsets (m) 21 26 22 23 21

Calculate the area between AB and the river using the following methods
11.1.1 Trapezoidal rule
11.1.2 Mid-ordinate rule
11.1.3 Simpson’s rule

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Question 11.2
The following offset were taken from a baseline to the shoreline of a site along
the coast at 10 m
Intervals for a distance of 100 m. The offsets are 75m, 85m, 95m, 105m,
110m, 125m, 110m, 100m,
98m and 80m

Calculate the area of the site using the following methods

11.2.1 Simpson’s rule
11.2.2 Trapezoidal rule
11.2.3 Mid-ordinate rule

Question 11.3
Calculate the area of an irregular piece of ground measurements were taken
at intervals of 10m
The mid-ordinates are 42m, 46m, 44m, 48m, 52m, 50m

Question 11.4
A plot has the following ordinates 65m, 68m, 70m, 73m, 75m, 81m, 76m,
72m, 63m which were taken at
Intervals of 25m
Calculate the area of the site using the following methods
11.4.1 Simpson’s rule
11.4.2 Trapezoidal rule

ANSWERS
Question 1.1

Ct = L × e × (t m − t s )
= 32 ,40 ×0,0000112 ×(30 −14 )
= +0,0058

S c = L(1 − cos θ )

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 77
S c = 32 ,40 (1 − cos 5°40 ')
= 0,158

CD = 32 ,40 +0,0058 −0,158 = 32,248 m

Question 1.2

1.2.1 Ct = L × e × (t m − t s )
= 94 ,151 ×0,0000113 ×(14 − 20 )
= −0,0064

w 2 L3
Cs =
24T 2
3
 94,151 
0,015 × 
2

=  3 
×3
24 × 7 2
= 0,0177

S c = L(1 − cos θ )
S c = 94 ,151 (1 − cos 5°15 ')
= 0,395

CD = 94 ,151 −0,0064 − 0,0177 −0,395 = 93,732 m

L×H
1.2.1 C =
R

93 ,732 × 2017 ,443

C=
6373000
C = 0,0297 m

CD = 93 .732 −0,0297 = 93,702 m

QUESTION 1.3

A-B = 9 ,20 8− 98 ,20 8( 1 − 8c o3° 4s '24 ")0 = 90,095

B-C = 7 ,42 0− 78 ,42 0( 1 − 8c o4° 3s '52 ")9 = 72,180

CD = 4 ,67 5− 42 ,67 5( 1 − 2c o2° 9s'7") = 47,184

= 209,459 m
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Question 4

1.4.1 C = H (sec A −1)

C = 1 0 0 0(sec0° 3 4'2 3"− 1)
C = 0,05 m

Slope distance = 1000 + 0,05

= 1000,050 m

OR

Slope =
1000
c o s0° 3 4'2 3"
= 1000,050 m

3,64
1.4.2 tan θ =
100
 3,64 
θ = tan −1  
 100 

θ = 2° 5'4,7"

CD = 1 3,5 6−71 3,5 (617− c o2° 5s'4,7")

=136 ,479 m

Question 1.5

160 ,49 
Angle of the slope θ = tan −1  
 164 ,81 

θ = 13° 08'50,7"

Zenith distance = 90 − 13° 08'50,7"

= 76º 51′ 9,2″

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Question 1.6

Ct = L × e × (t m − t s ) C t = 94 ,01 × 0,0000112 × (35 − 20 ) C t = 83 ,14 × 0,0000112 × (11 − 20 )

= +0,0158 = – 0,0084
3 3
w 2 L3  94,01   94,151 
Cs = 0,015 2 ×   0,015 2 ×  
24T 2  3   3 
= ×3 = ×3
24 × 7 2 24 × 7 2

= 0.0177 = 0,0122
S c = L(1 − cos θ ) S c = 94 ,01(1 − cos 6°10 ' ) S c = 83 ,14 (1 − cos 2°30 ' )
= 0,544 = 0,0791

94 ,01 + 0,0158 − 0,0177 − 0,544 = 93,464

83 ,14 −0,0084 −0,0122 −0,0791 = 83,0403
176,504 m

Question 1.7

L × e × (t m − t s ) = C t

100 × 0,0000114 × ( 22 ,4 − t s ) = 100 − 99 ,997

0,003
22 ,4 − t s =
100 × 0,0000114

22 ,4 − t s = 2,632

− t s = 2,632 − 22 ,4

t s =19 ,768 ºC

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Question 2.1

Poi BS IS FS Rise Fall Reduced

nt level
A 2,40 150,00
B 2,00 0,4 150,40
0
C 1,90 0,1 150,50
0
D 2,80 1,40 0,5 151,00
0
E 2,00 0,8 151,80
F 1,30 2,60 0,60 151,20
G 0,60 3,00 1,7 149,50
H 1,70 1,1 148,40
7,10 8,70 1,8 3,4 148,40
–8,70 –3,4 –150,00
–1,6 –1,6 –1,6

Question 2.2

Poi BS IS FS Rise Fall Reduced Remarks

nt level
A 0,49 1032,40
0,27 3,29 2,80 1029,60
0,39 3,77 3,50 1026,10
3,72 3,59 3,20 1022,90
–1,11 4,83 1024,73
3,56 0,82 1,93 1022,80
BM 3,89 1,36 2,20 1025,00 BM 1
025,00
3,72 0,99 2,90 1027,90
3,69 1,02 2,70 1030,60
3,86 1,31 2,38 1032,98
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3,90 1,56 2,30 1035,28
B 2,40 1,50 1036,78
23,93 19,29
–19,29
4,64

Question 2.3

Poin BS IS FS Rise Fall Reduced level

t
BM 3,141 401,261
1
A 0,086 3,055 404,316
B 2,111 4,283 4,197 400,119
C 1,406 3,517 403,636
D 2,032 0,626 404,262
E 3,108 3,638 5,67 398,592
F 1,823 2,110 5,218 403,810
G 3,111 4,934 398,876
H 4,123 2,109 5,220 404,096
I 3,281 7,404 396,692
BM 3,083 0,198 396,890
2
2,414 6,785 17,834 22,205 396,890
–6,785 – –401,261
– 6,785 –4,371
4,371 –4,371

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82