UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI

CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT TEST 2023/2024

TAKEAWAY C.A.T

FCE 451: ENGINEERING SURVEYING III

DATE: 13.12.2023

Instructions:

• Class to divide into groups of ten (10)

• Include student numbers on the cover page.
• Each group to submit one answer bundle.
• Attempt all questions.
• Submit answer bundle on 17.01.2024
• Late submissions will not be accepted

1. There are basically three instrument errors associated with electromagnetic

distance measurements for engineering surveying. Discuss these errors in terms of
causative agents, relative orders of magnitude, ameliorative measures taken to
either minimize or eliminate them and, calibration approaches aimed at
determining their magnitudes.

2. A kerb line is to be set out using two linen tapes between tangent points T1 and T2
with curve center at O and of radius 15m. If the offsets are required at 3m
intervals and angle T1OT2 is 900. Generate the setting out data for the kerb line.

3. Using a well- labeled flow diagram, describe the basic principles of distance
measurement with electronic instrument.

4. Using the familiar notations, show that the distance between the EDM
instrument and a compartible target can be expressed as;

D = N +  . 
2 2 2
With 2000 revolutions (of a 5centimeter wave length) over the measured distance and a
phase difference of 30o , compute the distance between the instrument and the target.
 5. Explain the three commonly used methods in setting out small radius
curves using linear measuring devises only; deriving the appropriate formulae for the
offsets in any two of the three cases

6. It is required to connect two straights whose deviation angle is 190 00’ by a

circular curve of radius 500m. Make the necessary calculations for setting out the curve
by Ranskine’s method if the through chainage of the intersection point I, is 2345.72m.
Use a standard chord of 20m and sub chords to ensure that the pegs are placed at exact
20m multiples of through chainage.

7. If the following data were also given;

Coordinates of I = 10,000N; 10,000E
Bearing IT1 = 2100 00’ 00”
Generate the coordinates of the curve points at the stated intervals.

8. Give the highlights of the main features of Compound and Reserve curves as used
in connecting two straights.

9. Differentiate between the following terms/ scenarios used in engineering

surveying.

i. Passive and active EDMs

ii. Carrier and Modulation signals
iii. Retro-reflector and Remote in EDM devices.
iv. Known and unknown baselines
v. Modular and Integrated EDMs
vi. Mid-ordinate and Apex distances

10. Using elementary section of a transition curve and the familiar differential
notations, show that the length of a transition curve is given as;
ℓ= (2RLɸ) 1/2
and explain the steps followed.

11. Outline the principle of transition curve and the requirements of a

transition curve design.

12. Compare and contrast composite and wholly transition curves as they are
used in highway curve design and setting out.
 13. A composite curve is used to connect two highway centerlines. The
transitions are to be designed such that the centrifugal ratio is 0.197 while the
rate of change of the radial acceleration is 0.60m/S3 at a design speed of 80
km/hr. If the chainage at the intersection of the straights is 2150.00m and the
angle of deviation is 300 00’ 00”,
calculate:
i. The length of the transition
ii. The chainage at the beginning and the end of the total composite curve.
iii. The setting out angles for the entry transition curve.

Aide memoire:

L= V3 ; IT=(R+S) Tan θ+ L
3.6 3 Rq 2 2

S= L2___
24R

14. Explain the two types of transition curves commonly used in road design mentioning
the merits/demerits in each case.

15. Explain the two methods, in each case, used in determining the length and
minimum safe radius of a transition curve.
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