LAGOS STATE POLYTECHNIC, IKORODU

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

PRACTICAL MANUAL

COURSE NAME
ENGINEERING SURVEYING I

COURSE CODE
SUG 208

Prepared by:
Olusesi, Olumide Joel
Civil Engineering Department,
Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu.
CONTENT

Module one
Carrying out ranging, leveling, calculations, plotting and draw longitudinal and cross
sections at 30m interval of proposed road alignments.

Module two
Carry out simple circle ranging.

Module three
Carry out tacheometry survey of the school of engineering.

Module four
Produce contoured plan using, theodolite along with leveling staff, level with tape and
staff.

Module five
Carry out area computation of the school of engineering with regular boundaries.

Module six
Carry out volume computation of earth works with cut and fill and draw mass haul
diagram.
 MODULE ONE

1. RANGING AND LEVELING OF A PROPOSED ROAD IN LASPOTECH

1.1 Aim

The aim of this task is to determine the relative height of points along the
longitudinal alignment of a road in order to define it’s longitudinal and cross
sections.

1.2. Objectives

The objectives of these tasks are to:

 Range out the alignments of a proposed road.

 Measure the height difference between the reference point and various points
along a proposed road.
 To measure distances between the various points.
 To produce a plan of the leveling operation.

1.3 List of instruments

1. Level
2. Leveling staff
3. Measuring tape
4. Raging poles
5. Optical square
6. Steel marking arrow
7. Instrument umbrella.
.

1.4 Preamble / Theory

Leveling is the process by which the relative height of features and points on the
earth surface are being determined using the level. The alignments of edges and
center line ranging were done using ranging poles and optical square.

In order to carryout leveling effectively the terminologies used in leveling must be

understood. Leveling terminologies are:
 1. Benchmark (BM) is a permanent point of known elevation. They are
established using precise leveling techniques and placed on a stable
structure.
2. Temporary Benchmark (TBM) is a semi-permanent point of known elevation
established from known BM. It is used for convenience on site to transfer
elevation for different stages of construction project.
3. Change Point (C.P) this is also referred to as turning point (TP). It is a point
temporarily uses to transfer an elevation from one instrument station to
another.
4. Back Sight (BS) is the staff reading taken first, and on a point of known
elevation (BM).
5. Height of Instrument (HI) is the elevation of line of sight through the level.
6. Fore sight (FS) is the staff reading taken last, it could be on CP, BM, and
TBM.
7. Intermediate Sight (I) is the staff reading taken on any point where elevation
is to be determined. It occurs between BS and FS.

1.5 Procedure

i. The left hand side (LHS), right hand side (RHS) and center line (CL) of the
road alignment was ranged out with ranging pole fixed on each of the
point.
ii. Stations, 25m apart along the road to be leveled are marked out.
iii. The level is set up and accurately leveled over the instrument station
which so chosen so as to sight many of the stations along the road.
iv. The staff is held vertically upright at a bench mark (BM), by the staff man
facing the instrument. Using the focusing screw, the staff is brought in to
focus by the level-man. He must then remove his hand from the
instrument before reading and booking the staff.
v. The staff-man then move the staff to the first station remove the pole and
replace with staff. Step (vi) is then carried out.
vi. The staff-man then move the staff to other subsequent stations and the
process is repeated until the staff is no longer in the field of sight of the
level. This could be due to distance, obstructions, or the line of sight being
above the top of the staff, or below the bottom of the staff. This would
prompt the instrument to be shifted to another convenient station. The
whole procedure is repeated until the staff-man gets to the end of the
portion being leveled.
 vii. Check levels are carried out by connecting the end station with the
beginning station or terminating the leveling operation on a station of
known elevation.

1.6 Field Work

1.6.1 Field book

Copy and make use of the table below for the field work readings and booking.
Modify when necessary.

1.6 Field Book / Table

Station BS IS FS Rise Fall HI Chainage RL Rmk

1.6.2 Field work sketch
Make a good sketch of the field work indicating:
i. The shape (figure)
ii. The procedure
iii. The dimensions

1.7 Computations

1. Compute the RL of all the staff stations. Assume a value for the BM if not
given.
2. Compute the arithmetic checks. Note that for arithmetic check; (∑BS -
∑FS) = (∑Rise -∑Fall) = (Last RL – First RL)
3. Compute also the permissible error (PE), note that permissible error is given
as: √ , where k = total length of the leveled portion in km. (Last RL –
First RL) must be less than PE.

1.8 Graph / Plotting

Plot the graph of RL against chainage for all the alignments, i.e. LHS, RHS, and
CL, using a convenient scale. i.e., 1:5

1.9 Precautions

1. Misreading on the staff should be avoided

2. Resting of the hands on the tripod or the level while reading should be avoided
as this may dis-level the instrument and affect reading.
3. The bubble in the plum bulb of the instrument should be properly centered and
leveled.
4. The staff should be vertically held on the staff stations.
5. Parallax error should be avoided during observations.
1.10 Conclusion
Write in a statement, not more than three (3) full sentences; what you have
gained in the task, discussing the result obtained, and makes comparison with
accepted values, and explain any error or discrepancy noticed.
 MODULE TWO

2 Circular Curve Ranging Using a Theodolite and a Tape.

2.1 Aim
The aim of this task is to set out a wholly circular curve that connects two
straights.

2.2 Objectives
The objectives of this work are to:
i. Conduct preliminary survey to obtain data for design.
ii. Compute for deflection angles and chord lengths from parameters obtained from
the above.
iii. Set out the curve using a theodolite and a measuring tape based on the
computation made in (ii) above.

2.3 List of Instruments used

The instruments used for this task are:
i. Theodolite
ii. Ranging poles
iii. Measuring tape
iv. Wooden pegs
v. Steel marking arrow
vi. Instrument umbrella.

2.4 Theory / Preamble

Simple circle ranging is an art of introducing horizontal circular curve into two
straights lines that meets at a point of intersection in order to provide smooth and
gradual change of direction. The point of intersection could be; a junction, or road
intersection. To achieve this, field work (preliminary survey) is carried out to
obtain data for design. Design is achieved by computations from traverse
obtained in preliminary survey. Setting out is done to establish the curve
physically on ground.

2.5 Procedure

i. Fix three ranging poles on the field such that points at which the poles are fixed
are called stations A, B, and C. Angle ABC should range between 120° and 170°
and lengths BA and BC should range between 40m and 100m. Measure and
record length BA = BC.
 ii. Remove the pole at station B, and set up a theodolite over the station. Direct
the telescope of the theodolite at the pole at C. Note and record the horizontal
circle reading. The telescope is then turned clock-wisely and directed at the pole
at A and the horizontal circle reading is also recorded. Station B is taken as
intersection point, while stations A and C are tangent points.
iii. The theodolite is then transited and the telescope directed at C and A in turn and
the readings recorded.
iv. At this stage, the mean internal angle ABC is calculated (use table 2.1). This is
taken as the angle of intersection. The angle of deflection (ⱷ) is obtained by
deducting the angle of intersection from 180°.
v. Length BA and BC are taken as the tangent lengths. Assuming the curve to be
wholly circular one, the radius of curve (R) is computed. The length of curve (L) is
also computed.
vi. Assuming the chainage of B to be 0 + 200, calculate the chainages of the tangent
points A and C, assuming the chainage increases from A to C.
vii. Given that pegs are to be placed at exactly 5m multiples of chainage, compute
the deflection angle (α) for each of the chord lengths (use table 2.2). Also
compute the total or cumulative deflection angles.
viii. Set the horizontal circle reading of the theodolite to 00°00’00’’, clamp the upper
and the lower plates together and direct the instrument’s telescope at the pole at
B.
ix. Rotate the telescope clock-wise until the horizontal circle reading of the first
cumulative deflection angle is obtained. A horizontal length equivalent to the first
chord length is measured from A along this direction to fix point A1.
x. Rotate the telescope clock-wise until a horizontal circle reading of the second
cumulative deflection angle is obtained. A horizontal length of 5m is measured
from A1 along the direction to fix A 2.
xi. Repeat step (X) using all other cumulative deflection angle until the last angle is
used.

2.6 Field Work

2.6.1 Field book

Copy and make use of the table below for the field work readings and booking.
Modify when necessary.
Table 2.1 (Observation table)

Instrument Instrument Face Left Face Right Mean Internal

Station Directed @ Angle
C
A
Difference

2.6.2 Field work sketch

Make a good sketch of the field work indicating:
iv. The shape (figure)
v. The procedure
vi. The dimensions

B Measured angle
Instrument
station
C

2.7 Computations

Compute the following:

Angle of deflection (ⱷ) = 180 – angle of intersection

Tangent length AB = BC =

Curve radius (R) = ( )

Curve length (Lc ) =

Chaainage of A = 0 + 200 – AB

Chainage of C = chainage A + L c
Table 2.2

Individual Deflection Total Deflection Angle

Chainage (m) Chord (m) Angle (α) Relative to AB

2.8 Graph / Plotting

Plot the graph of chainage against deflection angle for all the points, using a
convenient scale.

2.9 Precautions

Precautions taken the measurement include:

i. The theodolite should be properly set and leveled at the instrument station.
ii. The measurements should be taken when the weather condition is favourable
iii. Hands and body must be taken off the theodolite when reading is being
made.
iv. All distance measurement with tape should be taken with cautions in order to
measure actual horizontal distance instead of slope distance.
v. All readings taken should be booked in the appropriate column and row.
vi. Parallax error should be avoided during observations.

2.10 Conclusion

Write in a statement, not more than three (3) full sentences; what you have
gained in the task, discussing the result obtained, and makes comparison with
accepted values, and explain any error or discrepancy noticed.
 MODULE THREE

3 TACHEOMETRY SURVEY OF THE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING.

3.1 Aim
The aim of this task is to use the theodolite along with the staff to obtain
distances and heights of points in the school of engineering.

3.2 Objectives
The objectives of this field work are to:
1. Measure horizontal distance of points using theodolite.
2. Determine the height and elevation of points without using leveling
instrument.
3.

3.3 List of Instruments.

1. A set of theodolite
2. Measuring tape
3. Leveling staff
4. Ranging poles

3.4 Theory / Preamble

Tacheometry is an art of measuring distances and heights without necessarily
using measuring tapes and leveling instrument. It involves the use of theodolite in
taking both horizontal and vertical angular measurement and the application of
mathematical formulae in computing for the desire distances and heights. This
process is applied in spot height leveling and detail survey.

3.5 Procedure
i. Fix three (3) ranging poles on the field such that they form a triangle with
angle ranging from 30° to 120°. The points at which the poles are fixed are
called stations A, B, and C.
ii. Remove the ranging pole at station B and set up a theodolite over the
station. Note the instrument height as given on the theodolite’s plumb rod.
iii. Direct the telescope of the theodolite at a leveling staff being held vertically
upright at A. Note and record the vertical and horizontal circle readings as
well as the staff readings.
iv. The staff-man moves the leveling staff to station C and hold it vertically
upright.
v. The telescope is directed at the staff at C and the readings are also
recorded.
3.6 Field Work

3.6.1 Field book

Copy and make use of the table below for the field work readings and booking.
Modify when necessary.

Table: 3.1
Station Staff Reading (m) Vertical circle Horizontal
Upper middle lower Reading Circle Reading

3.6.2 Field work sketch

Make a good sketch of the field work indicating:

i. The shape (figure)
ii. The procedure
iii. The dimensions
3.7 Computations

i. Compute the horizontal length of all the points from instrument..

ii. Given that the reduced level of instrument station is 50.670m, compute for
the reduced level of all stations.

Note: Refer to relevant books or class note for the formulae to compute for
horizontal distance and reduced level.

3.8 Graph / Plotting

Plot the graph showing all the stations and their corresponding levels using any
convenience scale.

3.9 Precautions

i. The theodolite should be properly set up and leveled over station B.

ii. Hand must be taken off the instrument when readings are taken and
recorded.
iii. The leveling staff must be uprightly held to avoid error in staff readings
iv. Tape measurement should be consciously taken to avoid errors and
mistakes.
v. The instrument height should correspond to the line of sight of the observer.

3.10 Conclusion

Write in a statement, not more than three (3) full sentences; what you have
gained in the task, discussing the result obtained, and makes comparison with
accepted values, and explain any error or discrepancy noticed.

.
 MODULE FOUR

4 CONTOUR PLAN USING THEODOLITE ALONG WITH LEVELING STAFF

4.1 Aim
The aim of this task is to determine spot levels and produce contour plan by
tacheometry method.

4.2 Objectives

The objectives of this work include the following:

i. To determine the height of various spots using optical distance

measurement.
ii. To pick details on ground and prepare a detail survey of the area.
iii. To plot datum to scale and prepare a contour drawing.

4.3 List of Instruments.

1. A set of theodolite
2. Leveling staff
3. Ranging poles
4. Leveling instrument can be used in place of theodolite as well

4.4 Theory / Preamble

Optical Distance Measurement (ODM) is also refers to as tacheometry which is
an art of measuring distances and heights without necessarily using measuring
tapes. The leveling instrument can as well be used as optical instrument. It
involves the use of theodolite in taking both horizontal and vertical angular
measurement and the application of mathematical formulae in computing for the
desire distances and heights. In case the level is being used; there no need of
angular measurement. This process is applied in spot height leveling and detail
survey.

4.5 Procedure (using the level)

i. Mark out grids of lines (using ranging poles) at 5 or 10 meters to define the
spots or points whose heights are to be known. The points are taken as
stations.
 ii. Make a sketch of the grid lines and give identification number to each
station, -1, 2, 3… or A, B, C…
iii. Set and center the leveling instrument on a point on the grid where all or
many stations can be observed. The point must not be too far from bench
mark or an arbitrary point whose height (RL) is known.
iv. The leveling staff is then held vertically on the bench mark and reading is
taken on the staff.
v. Thereafter, the staff is taken to other stations in turn as indicated in the
sketch, and readings are taken; the readings taken are of cross hair and the
stadia for all the point, both horizontal and vertical circle readings are taken
as well.
vi. If all the spots or stations cannot be taken at one instrument station; change
points can be done repeatedly so as to have other instrument stations until
all spots are considered.
vii. Record being made and computations and plotting can done with them.

4.6 Field Work

4.6.1 Field book

Copy and make use of the table below for the field work readings and booking.
Modify when necessary.

Table: 4.1
Stati BS Staff Reading (m) FS Horizontal Vertical Rem
on Upper middle lower Circle Circle ark
Reading Reading
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
4.6.2 Field work sketch
Make a good sketch of the field work indicating:
i. The shape (figure)
ii. The procedure
iii. The dimensions

4.7 Computations

i. Compute the horizontal length of all the spot from the leveling instrument.
ii. Determine the radial angle between points, in order to fix the points during
plotting.
iii. Using the reduced level (RL) of the bench mark, compute for the reduced
level of all stations on which the staff is held.
iv. Plot the contour using the RL derived from the record from the field.

Note: Refer to relevant books or class note for the formulae to compute for
horizontal distance and reduced level.

Table: 4.2
Stati Staff Reading (m) Horizontal Vertical Internal
on BS Upper Middle lower FS Circle Circle Angle RL
Reading Reading
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
4.8 Graph / Plotting

Plot the graph showing all the stations with internal angles and their
corresponding levels using any convenience scale. Also, draw the sections of the
plot.

4.9 Precautions

i. The level should be properly set up and leveled over station B.

ii. Hand must be taken off the instrument when readings are taken and
recorded.
iii. The leveling staff must be uprightly held to avoid error in staff readings
iv. Tape measurement should be consciously taken to avoid errors and
mistakes.
v. The instrument height should correspond to the line of sight of the observer.

4.10 Conclusion

Write in a statement, not more than three (3) full sentences; what you have
gained in the task, discussing the result obtained, and makes comparison with
accepted values, and explain any error or discrepancy noticed.
 MODULE FIVE

5 AREA COMPUTATION OF THE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING FIELD WITH

REGULAR BOUNDARIES

5.1 Aim
The aim of this task is to determine the area (value) of the engineering field using
various methods.

5.2 Objectives
The objectives of this work are to:
i. Conduct traverse surveying using GPS and triangulation using measuring
tape.
ii. Compute and compare the area using various methods (coordinates,
formulae, and planimeter).

5.3 List of Instruments used

The instruments used for this task are:
i. GPS
ii. Ranging poles
iii. Measuring tape
iv. Steel marking arrow
v. Instrument umbrella.

5.4 Theory / Preamble

There two (2) methods of measuring areas namely; (1) traversing, and (2)
triangulation.

Traversing is one in which the frame work consists of a series of connected lines,
the lengths and directions of which are measured by chain, or tape and angular
instruments or GPS respectively. While in triangulation survey lines form a
network of triangles, it is the system of surveying in which the area is divided into
simple geometrical figures and the work is carried out by taking it measurement.

The data obtained from any of the mentioned methods above are processed
using formulae to determine the amount of area of the field.
5.5.1 Procedure 1 (traversing with GPS)

i. Fix a ranging pole each on the points that defines the boundary of the field. The
points at which the poles are fixed are called stations.
ii. Place the GPS instrument at each of the stations to obtain the coordinates of
each of the points. Record the values obtained.
iii. Use the measuring tape

5.5.2 Procedure 2 (triangulation)

i. Fix a ranging pole each on the points that defines the boundary of the field. The
points at which the poles are fixed are called stations.
ii. Form and divide the field into a numbers of triangles.
iii. Measure the lengths of each of the figure formed using measuring tape, and
record.

5.6 Field Work

5.6.1 Field book

Copy and make use of the table below for the field work readings and booking.
Modify when necessary.

Table 5.1
S/N Station Coordinates Traverse leg Traverse
N E length (m)
A AB
B BC
C CD
D DE
E EF
F FG
G GH
H HI
I IJ
J JK
K KL
L LM
M MA
5.6.2 Field work sketch
Make a good sketch of the field work indicating:
i. The shape (figure)
ii. The procedure
iii. The dimensions

5.7 Computations
Note: Refer to relevant books or class note for the formulae to compute for
horizontal distance and reduced level.

Table: 5.2
Stati Staff Reading (m) Horizontal Vertical Internal
on BS Upper Middle lower FS Circle Circle Angle RL
Reading Reading
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

5.8 Precautions

i. The level should be properly set up and leveled over station B.

ii. Hand must be taken off the instrument when readings are taken and
recorded.
iii. The leveling staff must be uprightly held to avoid error in staff readings
iv. Tape measurement should be consciously taken to avoid errors and
mistakes.
 v. The instrument height should correspond to the line of sight of the observer.

5.9 Conclusion

Write in a statement, not more than three (3) full sentences; what you have
gained in the task, discussing the result obtained, and makes comparison with
accepted values, and explain any error or discrepancy noticed.
 MODULE SIX

6 VOLUME COMPUTATION OF EARTH WORKS WITH CUT AND FILL AND

DRAW MASS HAUL DIAGRAM

6.1 Aim
The aim of this task is to determine the volume of earth material in the field using
mass haul diagram.

6.2 Objectives
The objectives of this work are to:
i. Obtaining leveling or height information/data of an earth road.
ii. Compute the volume of material to be imported of cart away using mass
haul.

6.3 List of Instruments used

The instruments used for this task are:
i. A set of level
ii. Ranging poles
iii. Measuring tape
iv. Steel marking arrow
v. Instrument umbrella.

6.4 Theory / Preamble