Road Cnstruction and Maintenance

Level-III
Based on September, 2023 Curriculum Version 2

Module Title: Establish Control Points and Boundaries

Module code: EIS RCM3 01 0923

Nominal duration: 100 Hour

Prepared by: Ministry of Labor and Skill

September, 2023
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
 Acronym
 DM D Double Meridian Distance method
 DTM Digital Terrain Model
 E.D.M Electronic Distance Measurement
 ERA Ethiopian Road Authority
 GPS /GNSS Global Positioning System/ Global Navigational Satellite System
 GRN Geodetic Reference Network
 OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
 ppm Parts per million
 VPI Vertical Point of Intersection
 Unit one: Plan and prepare
 This unit is developed to provide the trainee the necessary information regarding the following content
coverage and topics:
 Introduction
 Work instructions
 Safety and signage requirements
 Tools and equipment
 environmental protection requirements

This unit will also assist the trainee to attain the learning outcomes stated in the cover page.
Specifically, upon completion of this unit, the trainee will be able to:
 Prepare work instructions
 Apply safety and signage requirements
 Differentiate tools and equipment
 Identify environmental protection requirements

1.1 Introduction
Surveys gather data for use by planners and engineers. The products resulting from surveys are generally
topographic maps and/or a digital terrain model (DTM). Both conventional (on the ground) and photogrammetric
methods are used to gather data for engineering surveys. Before construction activities are started, thorough
planning is carried out in regard to equipment and material, method, task and activities, schedule and cost of
project. Planning begins with the pre-job meeting between the Project Surveyor and the Project Manager to
discuss about:
 Project Schedule
 Overall project survey needs
 Alternative survey methods
 Safety considerations
 Recommendations for survey methods
 Appointment of Project Surveyor to the Project Development Team
 Surveys that might be eliminated because of existing data
 Accuracy requirements for the survey
 Additional surveys needed (right of way, construction, etc.)
Generally a work plan for engineering surveys is prepared by the Project Surveyor. This work plan should
contain:
 A list of the required engineering survey products
 A schedule for the requested project surveys, including critical milestones
 Resource needs (method, personnel, equipment, cash overtime, travel, specification, required accuracy
level, expense)
 1.2 Work instruction
1.2.1 Office Preparation
The Project Surveyor, in consultation with the field supervisor and party chief, is responsible for the development of the
necessary instructions and information (field package) for performing the requested engineering surveys. Surveys office
staff, under the direction of the project surveyor, generally prepares the field package using information obtained from the
research/reconnaissance, together with other compiled and computed data. The field package should contain all the
necessary information and data to efficiently complete the field work required by the survey request.
Typical information/data that may be included are:
 Copy of survey request (always included)
 Special instructions including safety and hazardous waste considerations (always included)
 Control diagram and station listing
 As-built plans
 Monumentation and right of way maps and monument listing
 Maps of record
 Utility maps
 Utility easement descriptions
 Data in digital format
 Control data: descriptions, coordinates, elevations
 Monumentation data: descriptions, coordinates
Instructions from the Regional Survey Supervisor, and, in the case of surveys performed by consultant firms, the
contract, will define requirements for each separate project.
Because of rapidly changing technology, data transfer methods will not be defined here.
1.2.2 Field Work
Field work should not be initiated without a completed field package, including survey request form and written
instructions designating any special survey needs. Planning and preparation stage (identify the activities, method,
equipment, duration, human resources, budget, required accuracy) is a prerequisite for field work. If the planning
and preparation phase completed carefully, the field work can carry out easily and accurately as per the plan.

Project control (general)

a) Horizontal
All survey projects shall be tied to the Geodetic Reference Network (GRN).
• Ties shall consist of pairs of intervisible monuments along the length of the project. Spacing will depend on the type
project, terrain, etc. and will be determined by the Regional Survey Supervisor (usually about 500 to 1000 ft).
• Semi-permanent monuments will be used (reinforcing bars with metal caps or better). Also an adequate description and
“to-reach” shall be prepared.
• GRN ties will, in most cases, be supplied by ERA or any local Authority ground control crews committee.
• GPS Surveys shall meet First Order (1:100000) accuracy standards as an absolute minimum. One part in one million
closures for GPS control work is preferred.
• Project control surveys will traverse the length of the project and shall originate and terminate at GRN tied control
points at the beginning, end, and, if appropriate, along the length of the project. Since these surveys originate and
terminate at points with datum adjusted local plane coordinates.
• Project control surveys shall meet Second Order Class II Standards (1:20000).
• For loop type horizontal angle e≤±10’’√n or e≤±20’’√n or e≤±30’’√n or e≤±1’√n used accordingly.
• They may be performed by either of Total Station – Traverse or Global Positioning System
• After the raw field data for project control has been compiled, computed and minimum standards met, traverses shall
be adjusted by least squares adjustment or compass rule adjustment.
b) Vertical

• Global Positioning System (GPS) methods may be used for vertical control for projects provided approved procedures
are followed.

• The geoid model published by the National Geodetic Survey shall be used for height calculations.

Known third order or better benchmarks are occupied in the project control sessions and used for vertical ties and
adjustment. For leveling operation from 2mm to 24mm error per kilometer is permissible depending on the accuracy
requirement. i.e. e ≤ ±24mm√Dmm. Where, e is the error and D is the length of the measured route in kilometer.

1.3 Safety and signage requirements

Advance planning will minimize the survey crew’s exposure to hazardous situations and minimize the delays to the public.
Safety should be a prime consideration in all survey planning and especially with engineering surveys, which often require
work in and around traffic.

A meaningful safety program requires that each employee acknowledge that “it can happen to me.” Each must also ask,
“What is my responsibility?” and “What can I do to keep it from happening?”

1.3.1 Legal Requirements

The Safe Employment Act requires every employer to provide a safe and healthy place of employment. The Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the Department of Consumer and Business Services administers the Act and
has a staff of Occupational Safety Compliance Officers who are authorized to inspect employees’ working conditions
throughout the state. They may issue citations for violations of safety regulations which can result in penalties, including
fines.

1.3.2 Wearing of Personal Protective Equipment

As stated in the Safety and Health Policies and Procedures Manual, all personnel are required to wear the appropriate
personal protective equipment during all operations where exposure to hazardous conditions exists. Frequently, surveyors
operate tools that, if not used correctly, can cause harm.

1.3.3 Use of Traffic Control Devices

Basically, there are two categories: signs and channelizing devices.

I) Signage requirements

a) Warning Signs

Install warning signs prior to the start of all survey work that is on pavement and within15 feet of the edge of the traveled
way. Use them all the time you are working in traffic. Since surveyors are constantly moving on the highway, it is important
that warning signs be moved as the work progresses. There are three signs used most frequently: workers, s Signs warning
of lane closings ahead, may also be used as appropriate. Survey crew symbol or sign is the principle advance warning sign
used for traffic control through survey work zones and may replace the ROADWORK AHEAD or ROADWORK sign when
lane closures occur, at the discretion of the party chief.

Use Type B light or dual orange flags at all times to enhance the survey crew sign or symbol.

Use advance warning signs at an extended distance of one-half mile or more when limited sight distance or the nature of the
obstruction might require a motorist to bring the vehicle to a stop. Color, sizes, wording, and placement of signs must
conform to approve standards as specified and other safety standards that are adopted.
 b) Channelizing Devices

The function of channelizing devices is to warn and alert drivers of conditions created by work activities in or near the
traveled way, to protect workers in the temporary traffic control zone, and to guide drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians safely.
Channelizing devices include but are not limited to cones, tubular markers, vertical panels, drums, barricades, temporary
raised islands, and barriers. Channelizing devices are elements in a total system of traffic control devices for use in
temporary traffic control zones. If it is necessary to place an instrument or tripod within the traveled way or within 15 feet of
the traveled way, protect the tripod with cones according to field conditions.

Arrow Displays: Arrow display signs are intended to supplement other traffic control devices when closing a lane.

Variable Message Signs: Surveyors may use variable message signs to advise the traveling public of survey work being
done on the highway. The information on these signs is to make the drivers more aware of surveyors on the highway and
increase the surveyors’ safety. They are used to supplement the standard signing in the survey work zone.

Flagging Operations: When operations are such that signs, signals, and barricades do not provide adequate protection on or
adjacent to a highway or street, provide flaggers or other appropriate traffic control. Ensure that all flaggers are well trained
and possess valid flagging cards.

Position flaggers far enough ahead of the work zone so that approaching traffic has sufficient distance to stop before
entering the work zone. STOP/SLOW paddles are the primary hand-signaling device. To control traffic, use the flagger
symbol sign before any point where a flagger is stationed. A distance legend may be displayed on a supplemental plate
below the symbol sign. The sign may be used in conjunction with appropriate legends or with other warning signs, such as
BE PREPARED TO STOP. survey crew, and flagger.

Vehicle Warning Lights: The use of flashing amber lights is another tool used by surveyors to let motorists know that they
are working in the area. Temporary traffic control activities often create conditions on or near the traveled way that are
particularly unexpected at night, when drivers’ visibility is sharply reduced. It is often desirable and necessary to
supplement retro-reflectorized signs, barriers, and channelizing devices with lighting devices during daytime and nighttime
operations.

1.3.4 Animal Hazards

• Assume that all animals are potentially dangerous.
• Have owners secure hostile-acting animals before entering enclosures containing such animals.
• Do not enter an enclosure with high fences if a hazardous animal is within.
• Be especially wary of sick-appearing animals, animals with young, stallions, bulls, bears, and guard dogs.
• Do not handle dead or seemingly dead animals.
Snakebites
Snakebites of surveyors are quite rare. Even if preventive measures fail, current knowledge and treatment offer the best
prognosis ever for snakebite victims.
• Always assume snakes are active. Do not relax your vigil on sunny winter days.
• Do not make “solo” trips across snake country, which is remote from habitations and frequently used roads.
 1.3.5 Poisonous Plants
Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac can cause skin irritation. Learn to recognize these plants so that you can avoid
them. Furthermore, if you know when you have touched them, you can start first aid before symptoms appear. If exposed to
a poisonous plant, wash the affected area of your body promptly and thoroughly with water and soap.
The rash starts with redness and intense itching. Later, little blisters appear. If a rash had already developed, do not wash it.
Avoid scratching. Get medical attention.

1.3.6 Power Lines

• Avoid actual contact with or possible arcing to any equipment from electrical lines.
• In damp conditions, double your precautions.
• Do not tape across terrain where a tape might possibly be pulled up, into, or lowered atop a power line. Use an E.D.M.
instead of taping.
Vehicle Warning Lights: The use of flashing amber lights is another tool used by surveyors to let motorists know that they
are working in the area. Temporary traffic control activities often create conditions on or near the traveled way that are
particularly unexpected at night, when drivers’ visibility is sharply reduced. It is often desirable and necessary to
supplement retro-reflectorized signs, barriers, and channelizing devices with lighting devices during daytime and
nighttime operations.

1.3.7 Animal Hazards

• Assume that all animals are potentially dangerous.
• Have owners secure hostile-acting animals before entering enclosures containing such animals.
• Do not enter an enclosure with high fences if a hazardous animal is within.
• Be especially wary of sick-appearing animals, animals with young, stallions, bulls, bears, and guard dogs.
• Do not handle dead or seemingly dead animals.
Snakebites
Snakebites of surveyors are quite rare. Even if preventive measures fail, current knowledge and treatment offer the best prognosis
ever for snakebite victims.
• Always assume snakes are active. Do not relax your vigil on sunny winter days.
• Do not make “solo” trips across snake country, which is remote from habitations and frequently used roads.
1.3.8 Poisonous Plants
Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac can cause skin irritation. Learn to recognize these plants so that you can avoid them.
Furthermore, if you know when you have touched them, you can start first aid before symptoms appear. If exposed to a poisonous
plant, wash the affected area of your body promptly and thoroughly with water and soap.

The rash starts with redness and intense itching. Later, little blisters appear. If a rash had already developed, do not wash it. Avoid
scratching. Get medical attention.

1.3.9 Power Lines

• Avoid actual contact with or possible arcing to any equipment from electrical lines.
• In damp conditions, double your precautions.
• Do not tape across terrain where a tape might possibly be pulled up, into, or lowered atop a power line. Use an E.D.M.
instead of taping.
Power line elevations - do not make a “direct” measurement of the height of a power line, even with a fiberglass rod.
 1.3.7 Training

New field personnel are required to have a definite understanding of what will be expected of them concerning on-the-job safety. This
training is to be accomplished by the supervisor to familiarize new, promoted, transferred, or reassigned employees that will be involved
in surveying activities.

1.4 Tools and equipment

These instruments help in determining positions, distances, angles, elevations, and other relevant information for mapping and
construction purposes.

Measuring Tapes, Measuring Wheel, Surveying Chains, Arrow, Peg, Ranging Rods, Offset Rods, Plumb Bob, Cross Staff, Optical,
Square, Prism Square, Site Square, Tripod, Spirit Level, Drawing Paper, Instruments for Direct Leveling, Distance meter, Plumb Laser,
Level, Staff, Prismatic Compass, Surveyor’s Compass, Theodolite, Total Station, GPS/GNSS, 3D Scanner, Drones and others.

Major Surveying Instruments

a. GPS (Global Positioning System) : is a space-based satellite navigation system that provides location and time information in all
weather conditions, anywhere on or near the Earth where there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites.

b. Total Station: is an electronic instrument used in modern surveying and building construction that uses electronic transit theodolite
in conjunction with electronic distance meter (EDM) and used to measure sloping distance of object to the instrument, horizontal
angles and vertical angles.

c. Auto Level/Dumpy Level: used to establish or verify points in the same horizontal plane. It is used in surveying and building with
a vertical staff to measure height differences and to transfer, measure and set heights.

d. Theodolite: used for measuring angles in the horizontal and vertical planes. It is used mainly for surveying applications, and has
been adapted for specialized purposes in fields like metrology and rocket launch technology.

e. Optical Square: a pentaprism to reflect and refract a beam or sighting 90 degrees, it is used in pairs in surveying and in a singular
block in metrology

f. Dot-plumb laser: a type of laser level that projects a small dot onto a surface. These dots are used for transferring points from wall
to wall or ceiling to floor. It’s a handy tool for making sure a wall is plumb or even installing wall-to-wall.

g. LDM (Laser Distance Meter): work based on the principle of reflection of a laser beam. To measure a distance

h. Prismatic Compass: used to find out the bearing of the traversing and included angles between them, waypoints (an endpoint of the
Closure) and direction

i. Prisms: used to to reflect EDM beam back to its source with both a wide angle of incidence and with high precision.

j. Levelling Staff(levelling rod, is a graduated feet and meter on aluminum rod, used with a levelling instrument to determine the
difference in height between points or heights of points above a vertical datum. It cannot be used without a leveling instrument.

k. Prism pole: Can be used to measure the elevation of a specific ground point by using a sight level, which is important if you want to
get accurate results.

l. The measuring wheel (surveyor’s wheel): used to measure distances. Measuring wheels have a counting mechanism that counts the
number of rotations and uses the circumference of the wheel to calculate the distance covered.

m. Tripod: a portable three-legged frame or stand, used as a platform for supporting the weight and maintaining the stability to other
survey instruments as total station, auto level, etc.

1.5 Environmental protection requirements

It is essential to collect data about the natural and built environment that could be affected by a proposed road project. This data is used
to assess the potential impacts of the project and to develop mitigation measures to minimize those impacts. The specific requirements of
surveying for environmental protection will vary depending on the location of the project and the type of road being constructed.
However, some common types of surveys that may be conducted include:

• A topographic survey can be used to identify a route for the road that avoids sensitive habitats, such as wetlands.
• A vegetation survey can be used to identify areas of high biodiversity that need to be protected.
• A soil survey can be used to identify areas of erodible soil that need to be stabilized.
• A hydrological survey can be used to identify areas that are prone to flooding and need to be protected.
• Soil surveys: These surveys assess the type and condition of the soil in the area.
• Cultural surveys: These surveys identify any cultural resources, such as archaeological sites, in the area.
The data collected from these surveys is used to assess the potential impacts of the road project on the environment. These impacts can
include:
Changes in the hydrology of the area, such as increased flooding or erosion
• Loss of habitat for wildlife
• Degradation of air quality
• Increased noise pollution
• Damage to cultural resources
Once the potential impacts have been assessed, mitigation measures can be developed to minimize those impacts. These measures may
include:
• Relocating the road to avoid sensitive areas
• Using construction techniques that minimize disturbance to the environment
• Planting trees and other vegetation to buffer the road from the surrounding environment
• Monitoring the environmental impacts of the road after construction
Surveying can contribute to environmental pollution in a few ways:
• The disposal of surveying waste. Surveying waste, such as batteries, fuel, and other hazardous materials, can be harmful to the
environment if not disposed of properly.
• The disturbance of natural habitats. Surveying activities can disturb natural habitats, such as forests and wetlands. This can disrupt the
ecosystem and contribute to pollution.
• The use of chemicals. Some surveying activities, such as groundwater sampling, may require the use of chemicals. These chemicals
can pollute the environment if not handled properly.
However, it is important to note that surveying can also be used to help protect the environment. For example, surveying can be used to
identify and map contaminated sites, to assess the impact of development on the environment, and to monitor the effectiveness of
environmental remediation efforts. Overall, the environmental impact of surveying depends on the specific activities involved and
how they are carried out. When done responsibly, surveying can be a valuable tool for protecting the environment.
The following are some ways to minimize the environmental impact of surveying:
• Dispose of surveying waste properly, in accordance with local regulations.
• Avoid disturbing natural habitats whenever possible.
• Use chemicals only when necessary and handle them with care.
• Educate surveyors about the environmental impact of their work and encourage them to adopt sustainable practices.

Figure. 1.1 Major Surveying Instruments

Hawassa Poly Technic Collage Construction Department Road Construction Trade
Level three 2015 Entry
Group Assignment One For Establish Control Points and Boundaries