DCC20063 – ENGINEERING SURVEY
LAB REPORT 3: SETTING OUT
TABLE OF CONTENT
CONTENT PAGE
COVER PAGE
TABLE OF CONTENT 2
Introduction 3
2) DETAILS OF SETTING OUT 4
2.1 Site Detail (with layout)
2.2 Theory of setting out
2.3 Objectives 5
2.4 Equipment and Function (with photos) 6-9
2.5 Procedure of setting out 10
2.6 Precautions of setting out 11
3) DATA & RESULT 12 - 15
4) DISCUSSIONS / CONCLUSIONS / SUGGESTIONS 16
5) APPENDIX / REFERENCES 17
INTRODUCTION
Setting out gives knowledge and understanding about control survey, detail survey, data
collection or acquisition, calculation and plotting of survey works. The module puts emphasis
on the method used to carry out surveying works especially data collection or acquisition to
produce plan based on the scope of work. It also gives exposure to the need for accurate data
to be used for other surveying works.
Construction surveying (known as “lay-out” or “setting-out”) is to stake out reference point
sand markers that will guide the construction of new structures such as roads or buildings.
Construction surveying is generally performing the following tasks:
▪ Survey existing conditions of the future work site, including topography, existing
building and infrastructure, and even including underground infrastructure whenever
possible; (for example, measuring invert elevations and diameters of sewers at
manholes).
▪ Stake out reference points and markers that will guide the construction of new
structures.
▪ Verify the location of structures during construction.
▪ Conduct an As-Built surveying: a survey conducted at the end of the construction
project to verify that the work authorized was completed to the specifications set on
plans.
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DETAILS OF SETTING OUT
2.1 Site Detail (with location layout)
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we have done work setting out drain behind the road laboratory. The location Of Benchmark
(BM) which has been given by Mrs. Saedatul was 50 meters. The distance given to us is 5
meters from back sight to intermediate sight and 5 meters from intermediate sight to fore
sight.
2.2 Theory of Setting out
Setting-out is the translation of construction plans into physical point on the ground that can
be used as a basis for the actual construction. The results of construction surveying are seen
in almost any urban, suburban and rural. Almost any roadway, building or other man-made
improvement probably had some amount of construction surveying involved. Construction
surveying provides not only the horizontal location of new structure, but also the vertical
information required to ensure that surface drain or pipes flow as required. The layout, or
stakeout, survey consists of locating and marking (staking) horizontal and vertical control
points to guide construction crews, and giving line and grade as needed to establish additional
control points and to re stablish disturbed stakes. The setting out surveying will start with
calculates information from the drawings to ensure that:
• Buildings can be positioned correctly along with all the necessary structural
components within it.
2.3 Objectives
• Carry out accurate setting out.
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• Carry out all the necessary calculations to establish the setting-out points.
• Work as a team in order to execute a largescale surveying work.
• Produce and present an engineering report on an engineering survey work.
• Understand the roles of the various different types of personal who are involved in
the setting out process.
• Understand the aims of setting out.
• Refer to the different types of plans that may be used in the setting out process.
• Set out design points on site by a number of methods.
• Appreciate the application of laser instruments in surveying and setting out.
• Apply horizontal and vertical control techniques to second - stage setting out
operations.
• Understand the procedures required to ensure that the horizontal and vertical control
requirements of setting out operations can be met.
• Appreciate the good working practices that should be undertaken in order that the
aims of setting out can be achieved.
2.4 Equipment and Function (with photos)
Automatic Level
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An automatic level, also known as a self-levelling level or a builder’s auto level, is a
professional tool that can establish or verify points in the same horizontal plane. Builders,
contractors, engineers and land surveyors use these optical levels to plan structures and
developments and ensure structural soundness. Construction and surveying sites generally
prefer automatic levels to their manual counterparts because they are much quicker and easier
to set up.
Measurement Tape
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Synthetic tapes used in Land Surveying are made of fiberglass coated with PVC. These are
light in weight and flexible. They are available in lengths of 5m, 10m, 20m, 30m, and 50m.
Synthetic tapes may stretch when subjected to tension. Hence, these are not suitable for
accurate surveying works. However, synthetic tapes are recommended in place of steel tapes
where it is essential to take measurements in the vicinity of electric fences and railway lines,
etc. Tapes are used in surveying to measure horizontal, vertical, and slope distances. They
may be made of a ribbon or a band of steel, an alloy of steel, cloth reinforced with metal, or
synthetic materials. Tapes are issued in various lengths and widths and graduated in a variety
of ways.
Tripod Stand
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Older surveying tripods had slightly different features compared to modern ones. For
example, on some older tripods, the instrument had its own footplate and did not need to
move laterally relative to the tripod head. For this reason, the head of the tripod was not a flat
footplate but was simply a large diameter fitting. Threads on the outside of the head engaged
threads on the instrument's footplate. No other mounting screw was used. Fixed length legs
were also seen on older instruments. Instrument height was adjusted by changing the angle of
the legs. Widely spaced tripod feet resulted in a lower instrument while closely spaced legs
raised the instrument. This was considerably less convenient than having variable length legs.
Materials for older tripods were predominantly wood and brass, with some steel for high
wear items like the feet or foot points.
Levelling Rod
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A levelling rod is a tool used to measure the elevation measurements in fieldwork. Levelling
Rod can be a lot of types. The common one is Grade Rod. The rod can be made by wood,
metal and fiberglass. The features of the rod can be up to 5 meters. It allows us to measure a
large elevation with vertical distances. It is also used to determine the relative of the different
points in the area under survey.
2.5 Procedure of Setting out
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1) Set up the levelling instrument at level position 1.
2) Hold the staff vertically on the datum to point a and take a reading. This
reading will be the back sight because it is the first staff reading after setting the
instrument.
3) Move the staff into the drain to point invert (a) and take a reading. This will
be an intermediate sight.
4) Move the staff to point b and take a reading. This will also be an intermediate
sight.
5) Move the staff to point c and take a reading. This will be an intermediate
sight.
6) Move the staff to point d and take a reading. This will be an intermediate,
because after this reading the automatic level will be moved 3 steps.
7) The distance between the stations should be measured and recorded into the
level survey adjustment as well.
8) Set up the level at level position 2 and level the staff at point f, then take a
reading. This will be intermediate sight.
9)Move the staff to point g and take a reading. This will be fore sight.
11) As cover, then from point g take a reading it will be back sight.
12) Move the staff to point a and take a reading. This will be fore sight.
2.6 Precautions of setting out
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Following are the different types of control that should be carried out to prevent any errors
during setting out:
• Good practice in office
• On site control
• Equipment and staff
• Checks
• Marking the ground
• Use of grid offset
➢ It is recommended to conduct calculation by two independent individual since the
person who check the first computation may follow procedures and does not notice
errors.
➢ It is required to examine and explore the quality of information, for example, the
dimensions should be checked and confirmed with structural dimensions to make sure
that it is realistic.
➢ On site control of Setting Out Errors.
➢ Checks to Prevent Setting Out Errors
➢ Marking the Ground for Building Set Out
➢ Gridline and Offset Line for Building Setting Out
Data & Results
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Traveller = 4 meter
Back Intermediate Fore Rise Fall Height of Reduce Distance Remarks Benchmark
Sight Sight Sight Collimation (m)
(+) (-) level
1.444 51.444 50.000 BM = 50.000
1.500 0.056 49.944 5 A
3.255 1.755 48.189 5 Invert A
1.445 1.810 49.999 5 B
1.150 0.295 50.294 5 C
1.520 0.370 49.924 5 D
1.460 0.060 49.984 5 E
1.450 0.010 49.994 5 F
1.410 1.440 0.030 51.374 49.964 5 G
1.600 0.160 49.804
Reduce rail level A = invert level A + traveller
= 48.189 + 4.00
= 52.189 m
So Height of A= 52.189 – 49.944
= 2.245 m
Invert level A – invert level B= 1 / 25
5
(48.189 – invert level B) / 5 = 1 / 25
48.189 – invert level B = 1 / 5
- Invert level B = -47.989
Invert level B = 47.989 m
Reduce rail level B= invert level B + traveller
= 47.989 + 4.00
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= 51.989 m
So height of B= Reduce rail level B – reduce level B
= 51.989 – 49.999
= 1.990 m
Invert level B – invert level C= 1 / 25
5
47.989 – invert level C= 1 / 5
-invert level C= - 47.789
Invert level c= 47.789 m
Reduce rail level C = invert level C + traveller
= 51.789 + 4.00
= 55.789 m
So height of C= 55.789 – 50.294
= 5.495 m
Invert level C – invert level D= 1 / 25
5
51.789 – invert level D= 1 / 5
-invert level D= - 51.589
Invert level D= 51.589 m
Reduce rail level D= invert level D + traveller
= 51.589 + 4.00
= 55.589 m
So height of D= 55.589 – 49.924
= 5.665 m
Invert level D – invert level E= 1 / 25
5
51.589 – invert level E= 1 / 5
- Invert level E= -51.389
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Invert level E= 51.389 m
Reduce rail level E= invert level E + traveller
= 51.389 + 4.00
= 55.389 m
So height of E= reduce rail level E – reduce level E
= 55.389 – 49.984
= 5.405 m
Invert level E- invert level F= 1 / 25
5
51.389 – invert level F= 1 / 5
-invert level F= - 51.189
Invert level F= 51.189 m
Reduce rail level F= invert level F + traveller
= 51.189 + 4.00
= 55.189 m
So height of F= reduce rail level F – reduce level f
= 55.189 – 49.994
= 5.195 m
Invert level F-invert level G=1 / 25
5
51.189 – invert level G= 1 / 5
-invert level G= -50.989
Invert level G= 50.989 m
Reduce rail level G= invert level D + traveller
= 50.989 + 4.00
= 54.989 m
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So height of G=54.989 – 49.964
= 5.025 m
Invert level G-invert level H= 1 / 25
50.989 – invert level H= 1 / 5
-invert level H= -50.789
Invert level H= 50.789 m
DISCUSSIONS / CONCLUSIONS / SUGGESTIONS
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4.1. Discussion
The method of setting out is the reverse of surveying process. Set out 𝑇1 and 𝑇2. The plan as
designed and prepared is set out on the ground in the correct position.
This report should include a background of why we conducted the survey a breakdown of the
results and conclusions and recommendations supported by this material. Introduction setting
out is the process of transferring the distance from the plan already prepared to the ground
before starting a construction. Using the latest survey instruments the setting points can set
out on site as required base to the design drawings and design coordinates.
A building can be set out by taking referencing from an already established baseline. During
the process key points are established and markers used to guide the building process and
ensure accuracy. With both the plates clamped to zero direct the theodolite to bisect the point
of intersection. An irregular building or a building. Basic a setting out survey involves
transferring a building design onto the land itself so the builders can follow it during
construction. That means putting data in the ground for any construction. For large scale
projects such a high rise building and developments multiple setting out.
4.2. Conclusion
In conclusion, we had a great experienced by hands on during our fieldwork in setting out
and able to learn new things that could not be obtained from outsiders because the way of
learning may be different. We able to measure the vertical distances through the usage of
setting out equipment is the same as levelling during this setting out fieldwork. Besides, we
also learnt the way to calculate the reduced level.
From the field work that I and the group have done I can identify the form of control
provided as well as the calculation process involving the work. Through this work I can find
out the depth of the drain that Mrs. saedatul has set for us.
As future quantity surveyor, it helps us to know more about the site by comprehend the site
surveying knowledge. Even though we had to spend more time, but in end we managed to
obtain a set of data with acceptable range of error of misclosure because the depth of the
drain from the ground is not the same. Overall, we were enjoyed the fieldwork and special
thanks to our lecturer, Mrs Saedatul by teaching us how to conduct a setting out fieldwork.
APPENDIX / REFERENCES
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• https://www.scribd.com/document/386971511/RACHO-Discussion-and-Conclusion
• http://www.tanliatchoon.yolasite.com/resources/10%2611-
• Setting%20Out%20%26%20Site%20Control.pdf
• https://www.slideshare.net/ShivamMehta25/setting-out-work
• https://www.google.com/search?q=conclusion+setting+out+automatic+level&tbm=is
ch&ved=2ahUKEwielsuciLLuAhUsH7cAHYEjBGIQ2-
cCegQIABAA&oq=conclusion+setting+out+automatic+level&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQA
zoCCAA6BAgAEB5Q15sDWNe9A2DIvwNoAHAAeACAAYUEiAHXGJIBDDIu
MTAuMi4xLjAuMZgBAKABAaoBC2d3cy13aXotaW1nwAEB&sclient=img&ei=o
RcMYN7BGay-3LUPgceQkAY&bih=625&biw=1366#imgrc=wR5YrK2rRF1xRM
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