Engineering Surveying Lecture Notes

Table of Contents

 Chapter 1: Introduction to Engineering Surveying

 Chapter 2: Leveling

 Chapter 3: Contouring

 Chapter 4: Curves

 Chapter 5: Areas and Volumes

 Chapter 6: Mass Haul Diagrams

 Chapter 7: Setting Out Drains/Aims

Chapter 1: Introduction to Engineering Surveying

What is Engineering Surveying?

Engineering surveying is a branch of surveying that applies geometric principles and measurement
techniques to determine the relative position of points on the earth's surface. It plays a vital role throughout
the construction lifecycle, ensuring accurate positioning of structures, providing data for calculating volumes
of earthworks, setting out property boundaries, and monitoring construction progress.

Importance of Engineering Surveying in Construction:

 Ensures accurate positioning of structures
 Provides data for calculating volumes of earthworks
 Sets out property boundaries
 Monitors construction progress

Types of Engineering Surveys:

 Boundary Surveys: Define property limits and ownership.
 Topographical Surveys: Measure the elevation and shape of the land.
 Setting Out Surveys: Transfer design data from plans and specifications to the construction site.
 Construction Surveys: Monitor the progress and accuracy of construction work.
 As-Built Surveys: Document the final location of a completed structure.

Application
Surveying plays a vital role throughout the entire construction lifecycle. From initial feasibility studies that
require understanding the topography of the land, to setting out foundations and ensuring accurate
construction of buildings and other structures, engineering surveying provides the essential measurements
and data required for successful project completion.

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construction site with surveyors using surveying equipment

Work Example 1.1

A construction project requires the excavation of a trapezoidal trench 100 m long. The top width of the
trench is 5 m, and the bottom width is 3 m. The average depth of the trench is 2 m. Calculate the volume of
earthwork required to be excavated.

Solution:
Volume of excavation = Length x Average Area of the Trapezoid Average Area of the Trapezoid = 1/2 (Top
width + Bottom width) x Depth = 1/2 (5 m + 3 m) x 2 m = 4 m 2 Volume of earthwork required = 100 m x 4 m 2
= 400 m3
Chapter 2: Leveling

Define leveling and its importance in construction

Leveling is the fundamental process of establishing horizontal reference surfaces at known elevations. This is
crucial in construction for tasks like:
 Determining the elevation of points for foundation construction
 Establishing gradients for drainage systems
 Setting out floor levels for buildings

Types of Levels:
 Dumpy Level
 Automatic Level
 Digital Level

Application
Leveling is the fundamental process of establishing horizontal reference surfaces at known elevations. This is
crucial in construction for tasks like:
1. Determining the elevation of points for foundation construction
2. Establishing gradients for drainage systems
3. Setting out floor levels for buildings

The most common leveling instrument used in construction is the automatic level. It features a self-leveling
mechanism that simplifies the process of setting up a horizontal line of sight.

An Automatic Level

An Automatic Level
A Circular Level Crosshair

Opens in a new window surveyforbeginners.wordpress.com

https://surveyforbeginners.wordpress.com/2018/12/17/automatic-level/

Concepts related to Leveling:

 Staff gauge: A graduated rod used to measure the difference in elevation between points.
 Line of sight: The horizontal level established by the level instrument.
 Backsight (BS): The reading taken on the staff gauge at a known elevation.
 Foresight (FS): The reading taken on the staff gauge at an unknown elevation.
 Reduced Level (RL): The elevation of a point relative to a chosen datum.

Work Example 1.2

A leveling observation is conducted. The backsight reading is 1.25 m, and the foresight reading is 0.70 m.
Calculate the difference in elevation between the backsight point and the foresight point.

Solution
Difference in elevation (Reduced Level) = Backsight reading - Foresight reading = 1.25 m - 0.70 m = 0.55 m
Chapter 3: Contouring
Concept
Contouring refers to the method of graphically representing the topography or shape of a land surface by
connecting points of equal elevation. These lines are called contour lines and provide valuable information
for engineers about the slope and gradient of the land.

Importance in Construction
 Enables visualization of the terrain for planning earthwork operations
 Assists in designing drainage systems and site layouts
 Provides data
 Provides data for calculating cut and fill volumes during excavation and embankment construction

Application
By interpreting a contour map, construction professionals can gain a comprehensive understanding of the
existing land features. Contours illustrate changes in elevation and help visualize slopes and potential
challenges on the construction site. Drainage planning, road design, and earthwork calculations all rely
heavily on accurate contour data.

contour map with labeled index contours and spot heights

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Working with Contours:

 Spot Heights: Small elevations points marked on the map to provide additional reference points.
 Contour Interval: The vertical difference between adjacent contour lines.
 Steeper Slopes: Contours that are closer together indicate steeper slopes.
 Flatter Slopes: Contours that are farther apart indicate flatter slopes.

Work Example 3.1

A contour map has an index contour interval of 5 m. If two consecutive index contours have elevations of 100
m and 105 m, what is the approximate elevation of a point halfway between these contours?

Solution:
Since the contour interval is 5 m, and the point of interest lies halfway between the two index contours, its
elevation can be estimated by averaging the elevations of the two contours.

Estimated Elevation = (100 m + 105 m) / 2 = 102.5 m

Chapter 4: Curves

Concept
In construction projects, curves are often used for roads, railways, pipelines, and other linear infrastructure.
Understanding how to design and set out these curves is essential for engineers.

Types of Curves:
 Circular Curves: The most common type of curve, with a constant radius throughout.
 Compound Curves: A combination of two or more circular curves with different radii.
 Vertical Curves: Used to transition between different vertical alignments, such as on roads with hills
and valleys.

Application
The design of curves needs to consider factors like traffic speed, safety requirements, and the overall layout
of the project. Circular curves are widely used for their simplicity in design and construction. However, for
complex alignments or tight spaces, compound curves or vertical curves might be necessary.

Circular curve on a road Offsets to circular curve

PC = point of curvature, beginning of curve

PI = point of intersection of tangents
PT = point of tangency, end of curve
R = radius of curve, ft (m)
D = degree of curve (see previous text)
I = deflection angle between tangents at PI, also central angle of curve
T = tangent distance, distance from PI to PC or PT, ft (m)
L = length of curve from PC to PT measured on 100-ft (30.48-m) chord for chord definition, on arc for arc
definition, ft (m)
C = length of long chord from PC to PT, ft (m)
E = external distance, distance from PI to midpoint of curve, ft (m)

M = midordinate, distance from midpoint of curve to midpoint of long chord, ft (m)

d = central angle for portion of curve (d|length of curve (arc) determined by central angle d, ft (m)
c = length of curve (chord) determined by central angle d, ft (m)
a = tangent offset for chord of length c, ft (m)
b = chord offset for chord of length c, ft (m)
Equations of Circular Curves

https://www.engineeringcivil.com/circular-curves.html

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Elements of a Circular Curve:

 Centerline (CL): The line that passes through the center of the circular curve.
 Tangents: Straight sections of the road that meet the curve at the beginning (Tangent In) and end
(Tangent Out) points.
 Curve Length (CL): The total distance along the centerline of the curve.
 Radius (R): The constant distance from the center of the curve to any point on the curve.

Work Example 4.1

A circular curve has a radius of 50 m and needs to connect two straight sections of road. The deflection angle
(change in direction) between the tangents is 600. What is the length of the curve (CL)?

Solution:
The formula for the length of a circular curve (CL) is:

CL = (θ * π * R) / 180

where:
 θ = Deflection angle in degrees (60 degrees in this case)
 π = Mathematical constant pi (approximately 3.14)
 R = Radius of the curve (50 m)

CL = (600 * 3.14 * 50 m) / 1800

CL ≈ 52.36 m
Chapter 5: Areas and Volumes

Concept

Calculating areas and volumes of different shapes is a fundamental skill required in construction for various
purposes, including:
 Quantifying earthwork volumes for excavation and embankment construction
 Determining material quantities for foundations, slabs, and other structural elements
 Calculating site areas for planning and cost estimation

Common Shapes in Construction:

 Rectangles and Squares
 Triangles (right-angled and equilateral)
 Trapezoids

Application
Beyond basic shapes, construction projects often involve irregular plots or complex geometries. Surveyors
use various techniques to determine the areas and volumes of these shapes.
 Planimeter: A mechanical or digital instrument used to measure the area of an enclosed figure on a
map or plan.
 Grid Method: Dividing the irregular area into a grid of squares or rectangles and calculating the area
of each smaller shape.
 Digital Terrain Modeling (DTM): Creating a 3D computer model of the land surface using survey data
to calculate volumes.

Work Example 5.1

1. Trapezoidal Area: A trapezoidal plot of land for a building has a top width of 20 m, a bottom width of 15
m, and a depth of 30 m. Calculate the area of the plot.

Solution:
Area of Trapezoid = 1/2 (Top width + Bottom width) x Depth = 1/2 (20 m + 15 m) x 30 m = 525 m2

2. Irregular Area using Grid Method: An irregular plot of land is divided into a 10x10 m grid. By counting the
squares enclosed within the plot boundary, 42 squares are covered. Calculate the approximate area of
the plot.

Solution:
Area of Plot ≈ Number of Squares x Area of each Square ≈ 42 squares x 10 m x 10 m ≈ 4200 m2 (This is an
approximate value due to the grid method)
Chapter 6: Mass Haul Diagrams

Concept
Mass haul diagrams are graphical representations used in construction projects to visualize the cut and fill
operations required for earthwork activities. They play a crucial role in optimizing earthwork by minimizing
the amount of soil that needs to be transported long distances.

Components of a Mass Haul Diagram:

 Horizontal Distance: Represents the distance along the project site.
 Vertical Axis: Represents the volume of earthwork (cut or fill) at each point.
 Cut Lines: Lines depicting the volume of soil excavated at different locations (shown above the
horizontal axis).
 Fill Lines: Lines depicting the volume of soil required to fill in areas (shown below the horizontal
axis).
 Balance Line: A horizontal line representing the ideal scenario where the total cut volume equals the
total fill volume, minimizing transportation needs.

Application
By analyzing the mass haul diagram, construction professionals can determine the most efficient way to
manage excavated soil. Ideally, the cut and fill volumes should balance out, reducing the need for hauling
large quantities of soil over long distances. This can significantly reduce earthwork costs and project
timelines.

Mass Haul Diagram with Cut Lines, Fill Lines, and Balance Line (Source: Shah and Dawood, 2011)

Opens in a new window www.researchgate.net

Work Example 6.1

A construction project requires excavation of 500 m3 of soil at one location and filling of 300 m3 of soil at
another location. The two locations are 100 m apart.

a) If all the excavated soil is transported to the fill location, what is the net difference in volume (cut minus
fill) at each location?
b) Can this be optimized to minimize transport distances?

Solution:
a) Cut Location: Net Difference = Cut Volume - Transported Soil = 500 m3 - 300 m3 (all transported) = 200 m3

Fill Location: Net Difference = Fill Volume + Transported Soil = 300 m3 + 500 m3 = 800 m3
b) Yes, this can be optimized. By strategically moving soil only to locations with a deficit (not transporting all
soil to one location), the total transport distance can be minimized.

Chapter 7: Setting Out Drains/Aims

Concept
Setting out refers to the process of transferring design details from plans and specifications to the
construction site. This is particularly important for drainage systems to ensure proper water flow and prevent
flooding or erosion.

Types of Drainage Systems:

 Surface Drainage: Channels water away from buildings and paved surfaces.
 Subsurface Drainage: Removes excess water from below the ground surface.
 Combined Drainage: A system that collects both surface and subsurface water.

Work Example 7.1

Accurate setting out of drains and their gradients is essential for ensuring the proper functioning of the
drainage system. Surveying instruments like levels and theodolites are used to establish invert levels (bottom
elevations) of manholes, pipes, and channels.

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surveyor setting out a drainage pipe with a level

Important Considerations:

 Pipe Gradients: Drainage pipes must have a minimum gradient to ensure proper water flow by
gravity. The required gradient depends on the pipe size and material.

 Manhole Locations: Manholes are access points for inspection and maintenance of underground
drainage systems. Their locations are carefully planned to allow for cleaning and clearing blockages.

 Surface Drainage Channels: The setting out process for surface channels involves establishing the
channel invert levels and ensuring proper alignment for efficient water collection.

Setting Out Methods:

 Total Station Survey: An electronic instrument that combines the functionalities of a theodolite and
an electronic distance meter (EDM) for precise measurement of horizontal and

Chapter 7: Setting Out Drains/Aims (continued)

Setting Out Methods (continued):

 Total Station Survey: An electronic instrument that combines the functionalities of a theodolite and
an electronic distance meter (EDM) for precise measurement of horizontal and vertical angles, as
well as distances.

 Digital Leveling: Utilizes digital levels to capture elevation data electronically, improving accuracy and
efficiency compared to traditional levels.

 GPS (Global Positioning System): While not commonly used for setting out drainage details due to
potential limitations in accuracy on construction sites, GPS can be used for preliminary surveys or for
large-scale projects.

Lecture Note Example:

The chosen setting out method depends on factors like project complexity, required accuracy, and available
resources. Total station surveys are a popular choice due to their versatility and ability to measure both
horizontal and vertical components. However, digital leveling remains crucial for establishing precise
elevations for drainage invert levels.

Calculation Question:**

A drainage pipe needs to be laid with a minimum gradient of 2% (2 meters fall for every 100 meters
horizontal distance). If the total horizontal distance between two manholes is 200 meters, what is the
difference in elevation between the manholes?

Solution:

Gradient (in %) = (Change in Elevation / Horizontal Distance) x 100% We know the minimum gradient is 2%
and the horizontal distance is 200 meters.

Change in Elevation = Gradient x Horizontal Distance = 2% x 200 meters = (2/100) x 200 meters = 4 meters

Therefore, the difference in elevation between the manholes (assuming the first manhole is at a higher
elevation) is 4 meters.

Important Note:

This chapter has focused on drainage systems; however, the concept of setting out applies to various
construction elements beyond drainage. The same principles of using surveying instruments and following
design specifications are crucial for accurate positioning of foundations, columns, walls, and other structural
components.

Sample Questions

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visit-yosemite-friends-find-nice-place-along-merced-river-picnic-topograp-q60672980

Activity 5 (p 154): On a visit to Yosemite, you and some friends find a nice place along the Merced River for a
picnic. You have a topographic contour map (Fig. A5.1) in which the index contours are labeled in feet. From
your resting place at point A, you decide to gain a better vantage point by walking up to point B. (16 points
total -6600 6200 6400 A. -6200 North Merced River 1000 feet Figure 5.1 0.

What color is used to indicate the following features? (4 points) a. Water b. Vegetation C contour lines d.
absence of vegetation

A. Using the labeled elevations of the index contours as your guide, what is the contour interval (the
elevation difference between two adjacent contours) in Fig. AS.1? (1 pt)

B. You have a bar scale on the map that indicates a distance of 1000 ft on the ground in your picnic area. How
long is that bar scale on the map in millimeters*? answers will vary depending on screen resolution and zoom
levell (1 point)

C. What is the horizontal distance from A to B measured along a straight line in ft? (Hint: Measure the
distance from A to B using a metric ruler on the map, and then use your measurement of how many mm on
the map equal 1000 ft in the field to find the answer using proportions. Do not change your zoom level
between measurements!). Show your work! (3 pt)

D. What is the average gradient (elevation change divided by horizontal distance, both expressed in ft.) along
a straight line from A to B? Show your work! (3 pts)
E. In fact, it gets much steeper between X and Y along the slope to B. What is the gradient between X and Y?
Show your work! (4 pts) Activity 6 (p 156):

A. Construct a topographic profile for section line A-A' in the profile box. The profile box represents a vertical
plane along line A-A' through the ground surface. (6 points) 2000 Contour interval 2011 A 800 800 750 750
700 700 profile box Figure A6.1 vertical scale is different than horizontal scale Local Activity (11.gital Answer
the following questions using the image below, from the San Marcos North, TX, USGS 75 topographic map.
Ahole on Canvas What is the contour interval on this map? (1 pt)

2. Describe the topography on the east and west sides of this map. Consider, which side has larger his which
site has a futter landscape which side has targer rivers which ide has more vegetation?

3. What is the elevation in feet of Spring Lake (AI? (2)

4. What is the elevation in feet at B? (4 5. What is the relief between A and B? 12) Which direction does the
intermittent stream at Chow! 7. What do the magenta colors on the map represent or indicate? MALO