5/17/2020

The University of
Duhok
Setting out Roadways Surveying Engineering
a- Preparation of setting out data

The first step in setting out a roadway is to establish the center line. In order to achieve this, the
coordinates of all points of change of direction must be obtained from the development plan.
Figure below is a skeletal layout of the roadway R1-R4.
The coordinates of starting point R1,
finishing point R4 and intersection
point X1 must be scaled as accurately
as possible from plan or obtained
from a CAD version of the plan.
The coordinate values are shown in
table
Point E (m) N (m)
R1 47.00 106.70
X1 69.00 128.70
R4 107.00 91.80

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b- Methods of setting out Duhok

Surveying Engineering
Setting out curves were explained previously. Two methods are used to setting out straight
roadways.

1- Setting out coordinates by radiation. The coordinates of points R1, X1 and R4 are set out
directly from some convenient survey point, probably B, using total station instrument and
prism.
This method is speedy and an
unskilled assistant may be employed
to handle the prism. The
disadvantage is that the points are
unchecked and errors are not
noticed till later, resulting in more
expenditure.

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The University of

b- Methods of setting out Duhok

Surveying Engineering

2- Setting out the roadway as a traverse. Point C (Survey St.), R1, X1, R4, and F are treated as
points of a traverse survey and are set out by angles and distances using theodolite or total
station. The chosen instrument is set up in turn on each of the points and the traverse is closed
on point F.
This method takes time and
assistants have to be skilled,
particularly if distances are to be
set out by tape. However, the
method is self-checking in that the
survey finishes on the known
coordinates of point F and any
errors are therefore detected.

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Duhok
c- Setting out the road as a traverse Surveying Engineering

The traverse, as already explained, comprises the points C, R1, X1, R4, F.
i- The coordinates of points R1, X1 and R4 are shown in the previous table. (The coordinates of
points C and F are already known.
ii- Calculate the bearing and distance of the lines C-R1, R1-X1, X1-R4, and R4-F, as shown in table.

Station E (m) N (m) Line Length WCB

B 65.621 134.379
C 48.497 113.013 B-C 27.395 218ᵒ 41′ 50″
R1 47.000 106.700 C-R1 6.488 193ᵒ 20′ 24″
X1 69.000 128.700 R1-X1 31.113 45ᵒ 00′ 00″
R4 107.000 91.800 X1-R4 52.968 134ᵒ 09′ 30″
F 116.336 85.572 R4-F 11.223 123ᵒ 42′ 25″
A 100.000 100.000 F-A 21.795 311ᵒ 26′ 30″

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The University of
Duhok
Field work procedures Surveying Engineering

1- The theodolite or total station is set up at survey station C and back sight is taken to station
B with the instrument reading zero degree.
2- The horizontal circle is set to read (154ᵒ 38′ 34″); thus the theodolite now points towards
station R1.
3- The assistants set the tape along this line C-R1 and measure (6.488) m horizontally, this
establishing point R1.
4- The theodolite is removed to station R1, back sight to station C and procedure described
above is repeated, with the next set of data.
5- The setting out is continued to reach peg F.

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d- Setting out by coordinates Duhok
Surveying Engineering
When calculating setting out distances, the plan distance is always produced. However, on the
ground it is often difficult to measure distances horizontally; hence the ground slope along the
line being set out has to be found and the plan distance amended.
Setting out building and engineering works, using total station instrument, has therefore become
standard practice on construction sites, since those instruments allow horizontal distances to be
set out without difficulty.
Using EDM methods requires that the coordinates of every proposed point be determined,
usually by calculation.

In the particular case of roadway

R1-R4, the most convenient
survey station for setting out the
road would probably be station B.
The bearing and distance to point
R1, X1 and R4 from station B are
therefore required.

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The University of
Duhok
Surveying Engineering

SLOPE MEASUREMENTS AND STAKING

The University of
Duhok
SLOPE MEASUREMENTS Surveying Engineering
In some cases, it is faster and more accurate to measure a distance at an angle to the horizontal
and to calculate the horizontal distance than measure it with several horizontal steps.
The angle up or down from the horizontal is called the slope angle, and the distance is called
the slope distance. The slope distance is always longer than the corresponding horizontal
distance.
Two methods of making a slope measurement and calculating the horizontal distance are
described here.
METHOD 1
The horizontal distance can be calculated by
measuring a slope distance from a point of
known elevation to another point of a
different known elevation. The Pythagorean
Theorem can be used directly

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The University of
Suppose one needs to determine the horizontal distance between Points
Duhok
A and B. The difference in elevation between Point A and Point B is 8.26
Surveying Engineering
m and the slope distance is measured to be 73.84 m

Using the formula:

METHOD 2
The most frequently used method of slope measurement in construction surveying involves
measuring the slope distance, determining the slope angle, and calculating the horizontal
distance. The horizontal distance can be calculated by multiplying the slope distance by the
Cosine of the slope angle.

The University of
Duhok
Surveying Engineering

Suppose one needs to determine the horizontal distance between Points A and B. Using a
slope angle of 6° 25′ 21″ and a slope distance of 73.84 m.

Using the formula above:

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SLOPE STAKING
Surveying Engineering

Slope stakes are set to mark the intersection of the proposed side slope and the original ground
or “catch point”. Slope stakes may be placed prior to the contractor clearing and grubbing as a
way to establish the clearing limits. The slope staking procedure should be discussed with the
contractor and the earthwork superintendent prior to beginning earthwork operations so all
personnel are aware of how the slope stakes are marked and read.

The minimum information needed to set slope stakes is:

• The profile grade for each station
• Typical cross section for each station
• Original cross section with elevations

The University of

Slope Staking Procedures Duhok

Surveying Engineering

In this example we are going to slope stake the 2:1 back slope on the right side of the typical
section shown in figure.

First the elevation at the toe of the slope we are staking must be determined. These
elevations are typically determined prior to going out in the field. Performing these
calculations beforehand will greatly speed up the slope staking process once in the field. The
process is as follows:

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Procedures The University of

Duhok
Surveying Engineering

1- Calculate the elevations at the shoulder and toe

a) The elevation at the shoulder. 6550.00 – (20*0.02) = 6549.60.

b) Elevation at the toe of the slope. 6549.60 – (8*(1/4)) = 6547.60.

The University of
Duhok
Surveying Engineering

2) Once the toe of slope elevation is determined we are ready to set up the level and begin
slope staking.
a) First set up the level in a convenient location where a back sight to an existing benchmark
can be seen as well as the probable location of the catch point.
b) Then determine an H.I

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The University of
Duhok
Surveying Engineering
3) Once an H.I. is determined, calculate the difference between the H.I. and the finished grade
at the toe of slope. 6555.30 – 6547.60 = 7.7. This difference is called the Grade Rod.

The University of
Duhok
Surveying Engineering

4) Once the Grade Rod is determined we can begin taking shots in the approximate location
of the catch point, several attempts may be necessary.

5) While measuring the distance from centerline, take a F.S. in the approximate location of
the catch point. This is called the Ground Rod.
For our first attempt we read a 3.2 on the level rod at a distance of 35’ from centerline. See
figure.

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The University of
Duhok
Surveying Engineering
6) The difference between the Grade Rod and the Ground Rod will either be a cut or fill. This
cut or fill is multiplied by the slope and added to our reference offset to determine the
horizontal distance from centerline.

The Reference Offset is the horizontal distance from centerline of the roadway to the beginning
of the slope being staked. This offset represents the horizontal distance that remains unchanged
regardless of where the catch point is staked. In some cases this distance may remain the same
between several typical sections. In our example, it is the toe of slope on the right side 28’ from
centerline. This offset See figure below.

The University of
Duhok
Surveying Engineering

7) Using the formula above, we can perform the calculations for our first attempt as follows:

Distance = 28+(7.7-3.2)*2 = 37’

Our calculated distance is then compared to the actual distance we measured. Our measured
distance of 35’ is not equal to our calculated distance of 37’. If they were the same, a slope stake
would be set. But, since they are not, the process is repeated at a new distance from centerline
until the measured distance matches the calculated distance.

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The University of
Duhok
Surveying Engineering

8) For our second attempt we will move further out from centerline and repeat the process. Try
a rod reading of 2.3 at a distance of 40’ from centerline. See figure

28’ + (7.7 - 2.3) x 2 = 38.8’, this is not equal to 40.0’, try moving closer.

The University of
Duhok
Surveying Engineering

9) For our third attempt try a rod reading of 2.7 at 38’ from centerline. See figure

28’ + (7.7 - 2.7) x 2 = 38’, this is equal to 38’. A stake would then be set at this point.

Setting slope stakes is a process of trial and error; several shots at different distances from
centerline are generally required to set slope stakes

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