CHAPTER 5

VERTICAL CONTROL
VERTICAL CONTROL

5.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter describes the various procedures used to obtain the
elevation of points of interest above or below a reference datum.
The most commonly used reference datum is mean sea level
(MSL). There is no such thing as a common global MSL, as it
01
varies from place to place depending on local conditions. It is
important therefore that MSL is clearly defined wherever it is used.
The vertical height of a point above or below a reference datum is
02
referred to as the reduced level or simply the level of a point.
Reduced levels are used practically in all aspects of construction:
to produce ground contours on a plan; to enable the optimum
03
design of road, railway or canal gradients; to facilitate ground
modeling for accurate volumetric calculations. Indeed, there is
scarcely any aspect of construction that is not dependent on the
relative levels of ground points.
04

05
5.2 LEVELING
Leveling is the most widely used method for obtaining the
elevations of ground points relative to a reference datum and is
usually carried out as a separate procedure from that used for
fixing planimetric position.

Leveling involves the measurement of vertical distance relative to

a horizontal line of sight. Hence it requires a graduated staff for
the vertical measurements and an instrument that will provide a
horizontal line of sight.
5.3. DEFINITIONS

5.3.1 Level line

A level line or level surface is one which at all points is normal to
the direction of the force of gravity as defined by a freely
suspended plumb-bob.

5.3.2 Horizontal line

A horizontal line or surface is one that is normal to the direction
of the force of gravity at a particular point. Figure 5.1 shows a
horizontal line through point C.
5.3.3 Datum
A datum is any reference surface to which the elevations of
points are referred. The most commonly used datum is that of
mean sea level (MSL).

5.3.4 Bench mark (BM)

In order to make MSL accessible to all users throughout the
country, a series of permanent marks were established, called
bench marks. The height of these marks relative to MSL has been
established by differential leveling.

5.3.5 Reduced level (RL)

The RL of a point is its height above or below a reference datum.
LEVELING METHODS
1.Direct or Spirit Leveling - is the process of determining difference in
elevation of points, some distance apart by a series of set ups of a
leveling instrument along a selected route.

Types of Direct or Spirit Leveling

1.Differential Leveling
2.Double-rodded Leveling
3.Three-wire Leveling

A more precise method of differential levelling can

be attained by the three-wire method of leveling. It
is a method of determining difference in elevation
wherein three horizontal hairs (or threads) are read an
d recorded rather than from a single horizontal hair.
2.Profile Leveling - is used to determine difference in elevation between
points at designated short measured intervals along established line to
provide data from which vertical section of the ground surface can be a
curved.
3.Reciprocal Leveling - is the process of determining the difference in
elevation between two intervisible points located at a considerable
distance apart and between points leveling could not be performed in the
usual manner.
4.Trigonometric Leveling - is using trigonometric computation in
determining difference in elevation between two points from
measurements of its horizontal or slope distance and the vertical angle
between the points.
5.Stadia Leveling - combines features of direct leveling with those of
trigonometric leveling.

6.Barometric Leveling - is used to determine difference in elevation

between points by measuring the variation in atmospheric pressure at each
point by means of barometer.
7. Cross-Section Leveling - is a representation of the ground
surface on either side of the centerline in highway construction.

8. Borrow-pit Leveling - is a method of determining the relative

elevations of points in borrow pit excavations for the purpose of
calculating volumes of earthworks.
DIFFERENTIAL LEVELING

Differential leveling is a process of determining the difference in elevation between

two or more points some distance apart.

Definition of terms:
1. Bench Mark (BM) - is a fixed point of reference whose elevation is either known
or unknown.
2. Backsight (BS) - is a reading taken on a rod held on a point of known or
assumed elevation.
3. Foresight (FS) - is a reading taken on a rod held on a point whose elevation is to
be determined.
4. Backsight Distance - is horizontal distance from the center of the instrument to
the rod on which a backsight is taken.
5. Foresight Distance - is a horizontal distance from the center of the instrument to t
he rod on which a foresight is taken.

6. Turning Point (TP) - is an intervening point between two bench marks upon which
point foresight and backsight rod readings are taken to enable a leveling operation t
o continue from a new instrument position.

7. Height of Instrument (HI) - is the elevation of the line of sight of an instrument ab

ove or below a selected reference datum.
Sample Problem: (CE BOARD FEB. 1966)
Complete the differential level notes and determine the following:
a)Elevation of BM4 207.71m
b)Difference in elevation between Sta. 2 and Sta. 3? 179.66m – 184.87 = (-)5.21m
c)Difference in elevation between Sta. 4 and Sta. 7? 192.44m – 203.01m = (-)10.57m

HI1 = 186.38 + 1.04 = 187.42

HI2 = 182.49 + 3.95 = 186.44
HI3 = 179.66 + 6.56 = 186.22
HI4 = 184.87 + 8.48 = 193.35
HI5 = 192.44 + 9.22 = 201.66
HI6 = 201.31 + 8.37 = 209.68
HI7 = 206.84 + 4.92 = 211.76
HI8 = 203.01 + 7.77 = 210.78
HI9 =203.96 + 9.25 = 213.21
187.42 – 4.93 = 182.49
186.44 – 6.78 = 179.66
186.22 – 1.35 = 184.87
193.35 – 0.91 = 192.44
201.66 – 0.35 = 201.31
209.68 – 2.84 = 206.84
211.76 – 8.75 = 203.01
210.78 – 6.82 = 203.96
213.21 – 5.5 = 207.71

1.04
BM5 4.93 1.35
3.95
El. 186.38 6.78 6.56 3
HI1 HI2
HI3
1
2
Datum
Sample Problem: (CE BOARD FEB. 1966)
Complete the differential level notes and determine the following:
a)Elevation of BM4
b)Difference in elevation between Sta. 2 and Sta. 3?
c)Difference in elevation between Sta. 4 and Sta. 7?

∑(BS) = 59.56 ∑(FS) = 38.23

a)Elevation of BM4 c) El. 4 – El. 7 = ?
El. BM4 = El. BM5 + ∑(BS) - ∑(FS) El. 4 = 192.44m
= 186.38m + 59.56m – 38.23m El. 7 = 203.01m
= 207.71m EL. 4 – El. 7 = 10.57m
b) El. 2 – El. 3 = ?
El. 2 = 186.38 + (1.04+3.95) – (4.93+6.78)
= 179.66m
El. 3 = 186.38 + (1.04+3.95+6.56) – (4.93+6.78+1.35)
= 184.87m
El. 2 – El. 3 = (-)5.21m
PROBLEM SET 4

CE BOARD NOV. 1995

1.Using the following notes:
a)What is the elevation of BM14?
b)What is the elevation of BM13?
c)What is the difference in elevation between Sta. 3 and Sta. 6?
CE BOARD MAY 1996
2. The following notes were taken during a differential leveling. What is the difference
in elevation bet ween BM1 and BM2?
3. Complete the differential level notes below and perform the customary arithmetic
check.
4. Prepare and complete the differential level notes for the information shown in the
accompanying illustration and also:
a) What is the elevation of BM2?
b) What is the difference in elevation between TP2 and TP3?
c) What is the difference in elevation between TP1 and BM2?
5. The accompanying schematic arrangement of lines portray a differential level route.
The values indicated represent backsight and foresight readings taken at different
points as labeled. Prepare and complete differential level notes for the information
shown and also:
a) What is the elevation of BM2?
b) What is the difference in elevation between TP3 and TP4?
c) What is the difference in elevation between TP1, and TP3?
6. Prepare and complete the differential level notes for the information shown in the
accompanying illustration.
PROFILE LEVELING
Profile leveling is a process of determining difference in elevation along a fixed line at
designated short measured intervals such as centerline of highways or sewer.

Definition of terms:

1. Profile - is a curved line which graphically portrays the intersection of a vertical

plane with the surface of the earth.
2. Stationing - is a numerical designation given in terms of horizontal distance at any
point along a profile line
3. Intermediate Foresights - are ground rod readings which are taken along the
centerline of the proposed project to provide an accurate representation of the
ground surface.
4. Full Stations - are points which are established along a profile level route at
uniformly measured distances. These points are usually divisible by 100, 50, 30, 20, or
10.
5. Plus Stations - any other intermediate points established along a profile level route
other than full stations.
 Sample Problem:
Complete the following set of profile level notes and show the customary arithmetic
check.
125.5 + 0.95 = 126.45
126.45 - 3 = 123.45
126.45 - 2.3 = 124.15
125.81 + 3.13 = 128.94 126.45 - 0.64 = 125.81
128.94 – 2.7 = 126.24
128.94 – 2.5 = 126.44
128.94 – 0.8 = 128.14
127.66 + 2.16 = 129.82 128.94 – 1.28 = 127.66
129.82 – 0.9 = 128.92
129.82 – 1.2 = 128.62
129.82 – 1.7 = 128.12
129.82 – 2.0 = 127.82

0.8 2.16
3.13 2.5 1.28 0.9 1.2 1.7 2.0
0.95 0.64
2.3 2.7
TP2
3.0 TP1 0+70
BM1 0+40
0+30 0+60 BM2
El. 125.5 0+10 0+90
0+20 HI3
HI1 0+00
HI2

Datum
Sample Problem:
Complete the following set of profile level notes and show the customary arithmetic
check.

∑(BS) = 6.24 ∑(FS) = 3.92

Checking:
/∑(BS) - ∑(FS)/ = /First Elevation – Last Elevation/
/6.24 – 3.92/ = /125.5 – 127.82/
2.32 = 2.32
PROBLEM SET 5

1.Below shows a schematic arrangement of a profile level route from BM3 to BM4.
The values indicated represent backsight, foresight, and intermediate foresight
readings taken on stations along the route. Prepare and complete profile level notes
for the portrayed information. Show the customary arithmetic check and plot the
profile
2.Complete the following set of profile level notes and show the customary arithmetic
check.
EFFECTS OF EARTHS CURVATURE AND REFRACTION
Example 1.
A woman standing on a beach can just see the top of a lighthouse 24.14km away. If
her eye height above sea level is 1. 74m, determine the height of the light house
above sea level.

h1 = 0.0675K12 h2 = 0.0675K22
1.74m = 0.0675(K1)2 = 0.0675(19.063)2
K1 = 5.077km = 24.53m

K1 + K2 = 24.14km
5.077km + K2 = 24.14km
K2 = 19.063km
TRIGONOMETRIC LEVELING
Trigonometric Leveling - is using trigonometric computation in determining difference in elevation
between two points from measurements of its horizontal or slope distance and the vertical angle
between the points.
Sample Problem:
An antenna tower signal 2,000 m away was sighted through a transit with recorded vertical angle of
4°10'. The height of the tower is 6 m and the height of the transit above the point where it is set is
1.20 m. The elevation of the base of the signal B is 171.17 m. Compute the elevation of the point
under a transit A with due allowance for curvature and refraction correction.
Solution
Given:
K=2000m = 2km

Combined correction due to

curvature and refraction:
hcr = 0.0675K2
hcr = 0.0675(2)2
hcr = 0.27m
y
Elevation at point A
El. A = El. B + 6m - y – hcr – 1.2m B
El. 171.17m
= 171.17m + 6m - 2000m(tan 4°10’) – 0.27m -1.2m 4°10'.
= 30.0m
1.2m
A
2000m
Slope Correction
To be subtracted only
Sample Problem
1. A distance was measured on a 4% slope and found to be 1456.5 meters. What
is the horizontal distance measured in meters?
Mean Sea Level Correction
Sample Problem
THANK YOU