RESEARCH

WORK
NO.3
DIFFERENTIAL LEVELING
Differential Levelling is the process of measuring vertical
distances from known elevation point to determine elevations of
unknown parts (onlinemanuals.txdot.gov). In addition,
differential levelling is a technique used to determine in
elevation between points that are remote from each other. It
requires the use of a surveyor’s level together with graduated
measuring rods. An elevation is a vertical distance above or
below a referenced datum. (globalsecurity.org). Further,
differential leveling is performed when the distance between two
points is more. In this process, number of inter stations are
located and instrumental is shifted to each station and observed
the elevation of inter station points. Finally difference between
original two points is determined.

Illustrative Problems:

1. In running a line of differential levels from BM1 to BM2,

the following rod readings were taken in the order given:
2.40, 1.30, 1.43, 0.98, 1.25, 0.87, 1.85, 1.05, 2.94, 2.08,
1.69, 2.50, 1.61, 2.71, 0.75 and 2.11 meters. If the
evaluation of BM1 is 445.25 m, complete the level notes and
show the customary check on the computations.
2. Prepare and complete the differential level notes for the
information shown in the companying illustration. Include
the customary arithmetic check.
3. The accompanying schematic arrangement of lines portrays a
differential level route. The values indicated represent
back sight and foresight readings taken at different points
as labelled. Prepare and complete level notes for the
information shown and perform the customary arithmetic
check.
PROFILE LEVELING
Profile leveling is a method of surveying that has been
carried out along the central line of a track of land on which a
linear engineering work is to be constructed/laid. The operations
involved in determining the elevation of ground surface at small
spatial interval along a line is called profile leveling. It is
generally adopted to find elevation of points along a line such
as for road, rails or rivers etc. In this case, readings of
intermediate stations are taken and reduced level of each station
is found. From this cross section of the alignment is drawn.

Illustrative Problems:

1. Complete the following set of profile level notes and show

the customary arithmetic check.

2. From the figure given calculate the elevations of 0+00, show

arithmetic check and the resulting error in closure.
3. With the same figure calculate the elevations of 1+00, show
also the arithmetic check and resulting error in closure.
RISE AND FALL METHOD OF LEVELING
This method consists in finding the difference of level
between consecutive points by comparing each point after the
first with that immediately preceding it. The reduced level (R.L)
is found by adding rise of subtracting fall to or from the
preceding reduced level itself. This method is used to solve the
leveling to find difference in elevation and elevation of points.

Illustrative Problems:

1. The following consecutive readings were taken with a level 5

meter levelling staff on continuously sloping ground at a
common interval of 20m 0.385; 1.030; 1.925; 2.825; 3.730;
4.685; 0.625; 2.825; 3.730; 4.685; 0.0625; 2.005; 3.110;
4.485. The reduced level of the first point was 208.125m.
Rule out a page of a level field book and enter the above
readings. Calculate the reduced levels of the points by rise
and fall method. Also find the gradient of the line joining
the first and last point.
2. Reduce the set of differential levelling notes in the table
below by using rise and fall method.

3. Using the rise and fall method, complete the level notes
given below and show customary arithmetic check.
RECIPROCAL LEVELING
 Leveling between two widely separated points in which
observations are made in both directions to eliminate the effects
of atmospheric refraction and the curvature of the earth
(dictionary.com). When it is not possible to locate the levelling
instrument in between the inter visible points, reciprocal
levelling is performed. This case appears in case of ponds or
rivers etc. in case of reciprocal levelling, instrument is set
nearer to 1st station and sighted towards 2nd station
(theconstructor.org).

Illustrative Problems:

1. Reciprocal levelling between points A and B located on

opposite banks of a wide river gives the following readings
in meters. From the first setup near A: on A, 0.9993; on B,
2.076, 2.077 and 2.078. For the setup near B the readings
are: on B, 2.549; on A, 1.463, 1.462, and 1.463. If the
elevation of A is 925.28 meters, determine the true
difference in elevation between the two points and the
elevation of B.

2. In reciprocal levelling across a deep ravine the following

sets of od readings were taken:
a. Instr Near A: BS on A=1.719m, Average FS on B=2.578m
b. Instr Near B: Average BS on A=1.335m, FS on B=2.176m

3. Reciprocal levelling between points A and B located on

opposite banks of a lake gives the following readings in
meters. From the first setup near A: on A, 0.985; on B,
 3.066, 1.087 and 3.089. For the setup near B the readings
are: on B, 2.269; on A, 3.463, 1.534, and 1.761. If the
elevation of A is 1003.25 meters, determine the true
difference in elevation between the two points and the
elevation of B.

BAROMETRIC LEVELING
Barometer is an instrument used to measure atmosphere at any
altitude So, in this method of levelling, atmospheric pressure at
two different points is observed, based on which the vertical
differences between two points is determined. It is rough
estimation and used rarely (theconstructor.org). A type of
indirect levelling in which differences of elevation are
determined from differences of atmospheric pressure observed with
altimeters or barometers (mindat.org). Barometric levelling is
based on fact that the atmospheric pressure varies inversely with
height. In this method a barometer is used to determine the
differences in elevation of points, which differ considerably in
heights as in a hilly area or mountainous country and is affected
by the temperature of the air (slideshare).

CROSS-SECTION LEVELING
 The operation of taking levels transverse to the direction
of longitudinal levelling is known as cross sectional levelling.
This operation is undertaken in order to know the nature of the
ground across the centre line of any alignment. This operation is
carried out perpendicular to alignment at an interval of 10, 20,
30, 40m. The idea is to make an estimate of earthwork.

Illustrative Problems:

1.
2.