CMA413: SITE SURVEYING

About This Course

The general aim of the course is to provide sufficient knowledge and understanding of basic principles in site surveying pertaining to building construction. The course covers the element of introduction to site surveying, linear surveying, compass surveying, levelling and contouring, with emphasis on the process and techniques of the works.

Topics in this course:

1. Introduction

1.1) Introduction to geomatics

1.2) Element of site surveying (reconnaissance, booking, site survey procedures and good practice in construction projects)

1.3) Plan scales

1.4) Angle and distance

2. Chain Survey

2.1) Introduction to site control framework

2.2) Instrumentation e.g.: chain, steel tape, optical square, Electromagnetic Distance Measurement (EDM).

2.3) Field operations and obstructions

2.4) Errors in measurement

2.5) Plotting and details

2.6) Compass surveys (instrumentation and setting up, preparation of plan)

3. Levelling

3.1) Introduction

3.2) Instrumentation and setting up

3.3) Levelling procedure

3.4) Errors and accuracy

3.5) Longitudinal and cross sections

3.6) Computations, checking and reduction of level

3.7) 2 peg tests

4. Contouring

4.1) Introduction

4.2) Direct and indirect field methods

4.3) Graphical and mathematical methods

4.4) Use of contour plan in vertical sectioning and outlining of earthworks surfaces

5. Theodolite/Total Station

5.1) Introduction

5.2) Structure and its components

5.3) Handling of instruments

5.4) Setting up

5.5) Angle reading: horizontal

5.6) Angle reading: vertical

5.7) Trigonometric heighting

5.8) Instrument Errors and permanent adjustment.

6. Setting Out

6.1) Introduction

6.2) Process of setting out

6.3) Marks and profiles

6.4) Setting out building works

7. Traverse Surveying

7.1) Introduction

7.2) Type of traverse

7.3) Procedures : station selection, distance measurement, Angle measurement

7.4) Booking procedures

7.5) Calculation

7.6) Plotting

8. Tacheometry

8.1) Introduction

8.2) Procedures : station selection, distribution of spot heights

8.3) Booking procedures, calculation and plotting

9. Area and Volume Measurement

9.1) Regular areas

9.2) Irregular areas

9.3) Volumes of regular solids

9.4) Volumes of irregular solids

9.5) Curved irregular solids

Definition

Site surveying is one of the important things to do before starting the construction which is including the inspection of the workplace area or building site. This method will help the contractor to get the information about the building site and gather all the data. For examples, site survey can determine a precise location, best orientation and the obstacle around the site.

One of the purposes of site surveying is it can save time, money and resources. As we can see, site surveying will collect all the data at the site. So, the data can help contractor to make a better decision in construction.

Another purpose of site surveying is to make sure that the structure in built does not interrupt or encroaching someone’s land. If the structure that will be built is in someone’s land, in can cause trouble at the site.

Lastly, site survey also measuring a specific portion of the earth's surface's dimensions, including its horizontal distances, directions, angles, and elevations, is known as a land survey, or simply a survey. On a survey, artificial structures like a road or a building may also be identified. Following the taking of these measurements, a map or even a globe can be created.

Surveying Method

a. Boundary surveying

Finding the corners and boundary lines of a piece of property requires a boundary survey. This kind of survey entails both record-keeping and fieldwork, as well as any measurements and calculations required to establish the boundary lines in conformity with relevant state regulations. Finding easement lines and encroachments may also be part of a boundary survey.

b. Construction survey

For this kind of survey, the property's walls, buildings, roads, and utilities must be marked with stakes. Staking gives construction workers instructions on how to carry out the upgrades depicted on the development blueprints. In addition to an As-Built survey, a construction survey may additionally include both horizontal and vertical grading.

c. Topographic survey

Finding topographic characteristics on a piece of land, both natural and man-made, is the aim of this survey. These features include, for instance, fences, infrastructure, structures, elevations, streams, trees, upgrades, and contours. A state or municipal government agency may demand a topographic survey, and architects and engineers may utilise it to design site developments and improvements. Usually, a topographic survey is carried out using a combination of ground-based techniques and aerial imagery. Property lines are not a limitation for this type of study.