URVEY IN BUILDING TECHNOLOGY – NOTES
1. Definition of Surveying
Surveying is the science and art of determining the relative positions of points on, above, or below the Earth’s surface using measurements of distance, angles, and elevation.
2. Purpose of Surveying in Building Technology
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To determine land boundaries
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To prepare maps and plans
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To set out buildings and structures
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To calculate areas and volumes
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To assist in construction and design
3. Types of Surveying
a) Plane Surveying
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Assumes the Earth is flat
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Used for small areas
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Common in building projects
b) Geodetic Surveying
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Considers Earth’s curvature
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Used for large-scale projects
4. Types of Surveys
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Topographical Survey – Shows natural and man-made features
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Cadastral Survey – Defines land ownership and boundaries
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Engineering Survey – Used for construction projects
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Route Survey – For roads, railways, pipelines
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Levelling Survey – Determines height differences
5. Basic Surveying Instruments
a) Chain / Tape
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Used for measuring distances
b) Compass
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Measures directions (bearings)
c) Theodolite
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Measures horizontal and vertical angles
d) Level (Dumpy Level)
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Used to determine elevations
e) Total Station
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Electronic instrument combining angle and distance measurement
6. Chain Surveying
Principles
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Work from whole to part
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Fix main control points first
Key Terms
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Baseline – Main survey line
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Offset – Perpendicular distance from baseline
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Tie Line – Used for checking accuracy
7. Levelling
Purpose
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To determine height differences between points
Types
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Simple Levelling
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Differential Levelling
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Profile Levelling
Common Terms
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Benchmark (BM) – Reference point with known elevation
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Back Sight (BS) – First reading taken
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Fore Sight (FS) – Last reading before moving instrument
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Intermediate Sight (IS) – Any other reading
8. Traversing
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A method of surveying using connected lines
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Can be:
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Open Traverse – Does not return to start point
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Closed Traverse – Forms a loop
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9. Errors in Surveying
Types of Errors
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Systematic Errors – Predictable and correctable
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Random Errors – Occur due to small variations
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Gross Errors – Mistakes (e.g., wrong readings)
Sources
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Instrument errors
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Human errors
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Natural factors (wind, temperature)
10. Setting Out in Construction
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Transferring building design from drawings to the ground
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Ensures correct position, level, and alignment
Steps
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Establish reference points
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Mark foundation lines
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Use pegs and profiles
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Check measurements
11. Modern Surveying Technology
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GPS (Global Positioning System)
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Drones (UAVs)
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GIS (Geographic Information Systems)
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Laser scanning
12. Safety in Surveying
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Wear protective gear (helmet, boots, reflective vest)
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Be aware of surroundings
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Handle instruments carefully
- Teacher: Admin User