CLEARING THE SITE

Grubbing out bushes and tress (by manual or mechanical means,

or by specialist for the large tress)
Removal of soil to reduce levels following to Building
Regulation C1 (sterilize the top 300 mm to contain plant life and
decaying vegetation)
 MARKING OUT THE SITE

Once the topsoil has been removed (and levels reduced if necessary),
the foundation can be set-out by surveyors or engineers. The graphic
shows the foundation plan superimposed over the site
The line of the foundations can be highlighted using hydrated lime -
here the trench centre line is being marked. On some sites you will
find both sides of the trench marked. Digger buckets are available in
various widths to suit specific trenches.
 METHODS OF SETTING OUT

1. Peg or rope method (commonly used).

2. Dumpy Level (Best for big construction projects)
 ITEMS REQUIRED IN SETTING OUT.
Timber, 75mm by 50mm or any appropriate size.
• Round poles/ timber to act as pegs or steel for hard ground.
• Nylon threads (Manila rope).
• Ordinary nails inch and 2 inch.
• White chalk or lime.
• Clear hose pipe for determining horizontal levels.
• Sledge hammer.
• Measuring tape , Builder’s square
 DATUM LEVEL
A point which serves as a reference or base for the measurement of
other quantities
Where there are no benchmarks on or near the site, a suitable datum
must be established. A site datum or temporary benchmark could be a
post set in concrete or a concrete plinth set up on site.
 PROCESS OF SETTING OUT
• Setting out is done on the principle of whole to part. According to
this principle the largest possible rectangle of the building is found
and set out. The rectangle is further partitioned into small parts
(internal rooms).
• The first thing we need to establish is a parallel/ reference/ base line,
to which all other lines can be related. This can be taken along an
existing building close to the proposed new structure/ boundary wall if
existing/ kerb line etc.
PROCESS OF SETTING OUT STEP 1: SETTING OUT THE
BUILDING LINE
Two square offset lines are set from the kerb to the position of the
building line. The length of the line is greater than the width of the
proposed building. Pegs are positioned at these points and a ranging
line is fixed to these, giving a position of the building line .
STEP2: SETTING OUT FRONTAGE LINE/ BASE
LINE
After taking the dimensions from the drawing, the frontage line is set
out. This can be either on building line or behind it. The first corner
peg (A) will be positioned from dimensions given on the drawing
which relates to site features such as distance from kerb, gate post,
boundary wall etc. Eg: the pointAis positioned a distance of (D) from
the boundary. Following the position of first peg, the second peg (B) is
positioned after carefully measuring the width along the frontage line.
STEP3: SETTING OUT OF FIRST RIGHTANGLE TO
THE FRONTAGE
LINE Attach the taut line to the nail on the corner peg which will be
extended well beyond the length of the wall to be set out. Adjust the
line carefully to cross the frontage line at 90 degree by using a
builder’s square or the 3:4:5 method. When the line is correct, knock
the peg with nail at the distance greater than the length of the wall.
RIGHTANGLE TRINAGLE USED IN SETTING OUT
One of the most important procedure used in setting out is the process
of ensuring that all right angle corners are properly aligned. One of
the simplest ways is to use the method known as 3:4:5 triangle
method.
PROCEDURE:
1. A peg with a nail is fixed exactly at 3m from the corner peg on the
fixed line.
2. A measuring tape is the hooked to the nail on the corner peg and
another tape is hooked to the nail of the peg on the front line.
3. Both the tapes are pulled towards the end wall and with distance of
4m showing on one tape and 5m on the other tape. Where they cross
third peg will be fixed.
4. This will establish a line at 90 degree to the front line
 BUILDING STAGES Order of construction
 Excavation and timbering
 Foundations
 Concrete floors
 Reinforced concrete frames
 Roofs
 Brickwork
 Internal fixtures and fittings
 Insulation
 Plumbing and wiring
 Painting and decorating