Mapua Institute of Technology at Laguna

CE101F (Surveying-Field)
Fieldwork No. 5
Three-Wire Leveling

GROUP NO. 5

List of members

BURGOS, Kevin Ryan C.

MANUEL, Carlos Miguel I.
MANUEL, Keneth Jed R.
MARALIT, Juan Paulo O.
PAMBID, Xrisha Mae R.
PEREZ, Tyrone Austin M.

Submitted to:

Jonathan Argao
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THREE-WIRE LEVELING

OBJECTIVES

1. To complete the fieldwork exercise with only the given instrument and allotted time.
2. To learn how to conduct three-wire levelling on the field.
3. To know how to calculate the elevation of an unknown point.

EQUIPMENT

• Theodolite
• Range Poles
• Leveling Staff
• Tripod

PROCEDURE

1. Begin by preparing the equipment and conducting a thorough check for any defects.
2. Commence fieldwork by setting up the tripod and positioning the theodolite securely
at its apex, ensuring it is centered and stable.
3. Use the range poles to designate the backsight (BM1) and foresight (TP1) points.
4. Once the backsight and foresight are marked, determine the elevation by observing
through the eyepiece lens of the theodolite, ensuring the lenses are clean for accurate
readings.
5. Proceed by placing one range pole as the foresight for TP2, then relocate the auto
level to TP1 (now the backsight) and TP2 (foresight), ensuring it remains centered
and balanced using bubble tubes.
6. Repeat the process of marking backsight and foresight for TP2, and measure elevation
through the theodolite eyepiece.
7. Next, position one ranging pole as the foresight for BM2, relocate the auto level to
TP2 (now backsight) and BM2 (foresight), ensuring proper centering and balance.
8. Finally, gather all measured data and perform necessary computations.
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DATA SHEET

Date Tested : Feb. 12, 2024

Course Code/Section : CE101F/ B06
Group Number :5
Sample Numbers :4

BS (m) FS (m)
STA Hair Mean HI (m) Hair Mean Elev (m)
s s
Rdgs. Rdgs. Rdgs. Rdgs.
0.61
BM1 0.57 0.57 0.08 100.57 100
0.53
0.97 0.87
TP1 0.92 0.9167 0.11 100.6767 0.81 0.81 0.12 99.76
0.86 0.75
1.59 1.60
TP2 1.55 1.5467 0.09 100.6901 1.53 1.5333 0.13 99.1434
1.50 1.47
1.63
BM2 1.58 1.58 0.10 99.1101
1.53

Table 1. Data and Computation for Three-Wire Leveling

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COMPUTATION AND DISCUSSION OF RESULTS:

Formula:
𝑎+𝑏+𝑐
𝑚=
3

Solution:
0.61 + 0.57 + 0.53
𝑚𝐵𝑆 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝑀1 = = 0.57𝑚
3

0.97 + 0.92 + 0.86 0.87 + 0.81 + 0.75

𝑚𝐵𝑆 𝑜𝑓 𝑇𝑃1 = = 0.9167𝑚 𝑚𝐹𝑆 𝑜𝑓 𝑇𝑃1 = = 0.81𝑚
3 3

1.59 + 1.55 + 1.50 1.60 + 1.53 + 1.47

𝑚𝐵𝑆 𝑜𝑓 𝑇𝑃2 = = 1.5467𝑚 𝑚𝐹𝑆 𝑜𝑓 𝑇𝑃1 = = 1.5333𝑚
3 3

1.63 + 1.58 + 1.53

𝑚𝐹𝑆 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝑀2 = = 1.58𝑚
3

Figure 1. Computation of the Mean Readings of BS and FS of All Points

Before determining the HI and elevation in all the points, the mean readings of the
stadia hairs must be computed first. This is done by getting the sum of a stadia reading, then
dividing it by 3, as seen on the formula on the figure. In three-wire leveling, the upper, lower,
and middle stadia readings are denoted as a, b, and c, respectively.

By using this formula, the BS of all the points will yield a value of 0.57m, 0.9167m,
and 1.5467m, respectively. By doing the same method, the FS of all the points will also yield
a value of 0.81m, 1.5333m, and 1.58m, respectively.
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Formula:
𝑠 =𝑎−𝑏

Solution:

𝑠𝐵𝑆 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝑀1 = 0.61 − 0.53 = 0.08𝑚

𝑠𝐵𝑆 𝑜𝑓 𝑇𝑃1 = 0.97 − 0.86 = 0.11𝑚 𝑠𝐹𝑆 𝑜𝑓 𝑇𝑃1 = 0.87 − 0.75 = 0.12𝑚

𝑠𝐵𝑆 𝑜𝑓 𝑇𝑃2 = 1.59 − 1.50 = 0.09𝑚 𝑠𝐹𝑆 𝑜𝑓 𝑇𝑃2 = 1.60 − 1.47 = 0.13𝑚

𝑠𝐹𝑆 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝑀2 = 1.63 − 1.53 = 0.10𝑚

Figure 2. Computation of the Stadia Intercepts of BS and FS of All Points

The stadia intercept is the difference between the upper stadia reading and lower stadia
reading. This value is important for determining the horizontal distance from the instrument to
the leveling staff. From the definition itself, the formula of the stadia intercept is just the value
of a minus the value of b, refer to figure 1 for the meaning of a and b.

By using this formula, the stadia intercept of the BS in all points will have a value of
0.08m, 0.11m, and 0.09m, respectively. Doing the same method for the stadia intercept of the
FS in all points will then have a value of 0.12m, 0.13m, and 0.10m, respectively.

Formula:
𝐻𝐼 = 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 + 𝑚𝐵𝑆 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 = 𝐻𝐼 − 𝑚𝐹𝑆
Solution:
𝐻𝐼𝐵𝑀1 = 100 + 0.57 = 100.57𝑚 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑇𝑃1 = 100𝑚
𝐻𝐼𝑇𝑃1 = 99.76 + 0.9167 = 100.6767𝑚 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑇𝑃1 = 100.57 − 0.81 = 99.76𝑚
𝐻𝐼𝑇𝑃2 = 99.1567 + 1.5467 = 100.7034𝑚 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑇𝑃2 = 100.6767 − 1.52 = 100.1567𝑚
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣𝐵𝑀2 = 100.7034 − 1.58 = 99.1234𝑚

Figure 3. Computation of the HI and Elev of All Points

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After determining the mean reading and the stadia intercept, the height of the instrument
and the elevation of a point can now be determined. Adding the elevation and the mean
backsight reading of a point (example: Point 1) will determine the height of the instrument of
that point above mean sea level. After doing so, the elevation of the next point (example: Point
2) can then be determined by getting the difference of the height of the instrument (HI of Point
1) with the mean foresight reading of the point (FS of Point 2). Both formulas can be seen on
figure 3. Repeating this method will determine the HI and elevation of succeeding points.

By doing this method, the HI and Elev of all points on the data will be determined. The
HI of BM1 will yield a value of 100.57m. The HI and Elev of TP1 will yield a value of
100.6767m and 99.76m, respectively. The HI and Elev of TP2 will yield a value of 100.6901m
and 99.1434m, respectively. Lastly, the Elev of BM2 will yield a value of 99.1101m.

DOCUMENTATION OF THE FIELDWORK:

Below are the images that were taken during the fieldwork, three-wire leveling:

Image of the surveyors setting up the instrument

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Image of the surveyors holding the leveling staff at TP2

Image of a surveyor taking the foresight of TP1

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Image of the measurement taken in BM2

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION/S:
Conclusions

The following conclusions were drawn from the gathered data:

• Three-wire leveling is a precise and widely used technique in surveying for

measuring height differentials and establishing accurate elevation points. This method
is also used to determine the horizontal distance from the instrument to a point.
• The use of a theodolite in conjunction with three-wire leveling enables
surveyors to achieve reliable elevation benchmarks that serve as critical reference
points for the fieldwork.
• Keeping the leveling staff at an upright position poses a challenge for the
surveyors, which made it difficult for them to collect data. Due to this, the data that
were collected may be slightly off. Make sure to use a tripod, or bipod to maintain the
position of the staff.
• In the fieldwork, the front face of the leveling staff, less detailed graduation,
was used to measure the elevation instead of the back face of the instrument, more
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detailed graduation. Due to this, the measurements that were collected are slightly
inaccurate. Make sure to use the back face of the instrument for a more accurate data.
• The terrain of the route taken to collect the necessary data has noticeable
difference in elevation. Due to this, the calculation for the elevation from BM1 to BM2
must have a large decrease/ increase of elevation. According to the data that were
calculated on the table, BM1 is 100m above mean sea level while BM2 is 99.1101m
above mean sea level. This supports the idea that BM1 is much more elevated than
BM2, and there is a noticeable change in their elevations.

Recommendations:

Due to the surveyors’ initial attempt, many mistakes were made, which prolonged the
fieldwork procedure. Below is the list of recommendations that were gathered to avoid
mistakes from happening again:

• When conducting the fieldwork, remain focused. Be alert for any factors that
may affect the precision of the measurements.
• Prioritize a thorough understanding of the foundational principles of leveling,
including precise instrument operation and setup.
• Invest in quality equipment, practice meticulous field procedures, and
continuously refine your rod reading skills.
• Regularly check and verify measurements, be aware of potential sources of
error, and maintain detailed records.
• Collaborate with peers, seek guidance from experienced professionals, and stay
updated on technological advancements.
• Above all, prioritize safety during fieldwork. This holistic approach ensures
accuracy, efficiency, and ongoing professional development in the field of differential
leveling.

REFERENCES: Cite properly your references (use APA Style of citation and referencing).

Aschenbrenner, J. (2022, April 28). Common Challenges in the Survey Method & How to
Overcome Them - The BA Guide. The BA Guide.
https://thebaguide.com/blog/common-challenges-in-the-survey-method-how-to-
overcome-them/

Common Challenges in Land Surveying and How to Overcome Them. (2023, July 6). Common
Challenges in Land Surveying and How to Overcome Them.
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https://bettersworthandassociates.com/2023/07/common-challenges-in-land-
surveying-and-how-to-overcome-them/

THS Concepts LTD. (2023, January 12). Using a surveying dumpy level: a Step-by-Step
guide. THS Concepts - Land, Architectural and Engineering Surveys.
https://www.ths-concepts.co.uk/how-to-dumpy-level/

Warehouse, E. (2021, December 2). 10 Land Surveying Tips from Veterans: Get the Job Done
in No Time (Updated 2020). Engineer Warehouse.
https://engineerwarehouse.com/blogs/tips-tricks-and-hacks/land-surveying-tips-from-
veterans