TAYLOR’S UNIVERSITY | SABD | SITE SURVEYING (QSB 60103) | LEVELING REPORT

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN

QSB 60103 – SITE SURVEYING

FIELDWORK 1 REPORT
LEVELING

Name Student ID Marks

Hor Weng Lim 0319441

Felix Vong Zhi Wei 0318462

Kevin Lee Hee Xian 0315192

Jackson Ting Shii Hang 0324326

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 TAYLOR’S UNIVERSITY | SABD | SITE SURVEYING (QSB 60103) | LEVELING REPORT

Content Page

Cover Page 1

Table of Content 2

1.0 Introduction to Leveling 3

1.1 Definition of Leveling 3

1.2 Definition of Term Used in Leveling 4-6

1.3 Leveling Method 7

2.0 Objective 8

3.0 Outline of Apparatus 9

3.1 Automatic Level 9

3.2 Tripod Stand 10

3.3 Optical Plummet 11

3.4 Leveling Rod 12

3.5 Spirit Bubble 13

4.0 Leveling Fieldwork 14

5.0 Field Data 15

5.1 Rise and Fall Method & Height of Collimation Method 15 - 16

6.0 Adjusted Data 17

6.1 Rise and Fall Method & Height of Collimation Method 17

7.0 Discussion 18

8.0 Conclusion 19

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 TAYLOR’S UNIVERSITY | SABD | SITE SURVEYING (QSB 60103) | LEVELING REPORT

1.0 INTRODUCTION TO LEVELING

1.1 DEFINITIONS OF LEVELING

Leveling is define as the art of determining and representing the relative heights or

elevations of different points on the earth’s surfaces. The process of leveling is to find the

elevation at a specified location relative to another known elevation. It is basically an instrument

to measure the relative height of the elevation in a different respective point that have been set.

Leveling rod is also an instrument to use with automatic level to get the reading of every

respective points.

Figure 1.0: Leveling

Sources: http://www.navia-design.com/projects.html

Leveling results can be used for design highways, railways, sewers and more. Besides that, it can

also use to calculate the volume of earthwork and develop maps showing general ground

configurations. It can use as a site layout for a new foundations, contouring drainage as well as

estimating the fall of pipe.

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 TAYLOR’S UNIVERSITY | SABD | SITE SURVEYING (QSB 60103) | LEVELING REPORT

1.2 DEFINITION OF TERM USED IN LEVELING

Figure 1.1: Leveling Terms

Sources: http://www.colorado.edu/geography/courses/geog_2043_f01/lab4/diff.jpg

Level Surface:

It is any surface parallel to the mean spheroidal surface if the earth. Since the earth is an oblate

spheroid, a level surface may be regarded as a curved surface, every point on which is equidistant

from the center of the earth. It is also a surface that is everywhere at right angles to the direction

of gravity of the earth.

Vertical Line:

It is any line lying vertically on the level surface.

Horizontal Line:

It is any line lying in the horizontal plane. It is a straight line tangential to a level line.

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 TAYLOR’S UNIVERSITY | SABD | SITE SURVEYING (QSB 60103) | LEVELING REPORT

Vertical Plane:

It is a plane containing a vertical line.

Horizontal Plane:

It is a plane tangential to the level surface at a point. It is perpendicular to direction of gravity.

Datum:

It is any surface or line from which vertical distances are measured. It can be two types of datum

which is Ordnance Datum (O.D.) and Assume Datum (A.D.)

Bench-mark (B.M.):

It is a diced reference point of known elevation.

Temporary Bench-mark (T.B.M.):

A bench-mark which is set up by the surveyor for his own particular task temporary.

Reduced Level (R.L.):

It is a vertical distance of a point above or below the datum. The elevation of a point is either plus

or minus according to the point above or below the datum.

The Line of Collimation (H.I.):

It is the line intersects with the cross hairs of the optical center of the object glass.

Backsight (BS):

The instrument set up at the first point and get the first reading.

Intermediate Sight (IS):

Reading between the backsight and foresight.

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 TAYLOR’S UNIVERSITY | SABD | SITE SURVEYING (QSB 60103) | LEVELING REPORT

Foresight (FS):

The final reading of the instrument.

Change Point (C.P.):

It is a transfer point of the leveling. It is a new point in which the previous point backsight and

foresight are taken.

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 TAYLOR’S UNIVERSITY | SABD | SITE SURVEYING (QSB 60103) | LEVELING REPORT

1.3 LEVELING METHOD:

Figure 1.2: Rise and Fall Method

Sources: http://gmba-learning-gateway.co.uk/page_68.html

Figure 1.3: Height of Collimation Method

Sources: http://gmba-learning-gateway.co.uk/page_68.html

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 TAYLOR’S UNIVERSITY | SABD | SITE SURVEYING (QSB 60103) | LEVELING REPORT

2.0 OBJECTIVE

 To enable students have a hands-on experience in setting up and working with the

automatic level, tripod stand, leveling rod as well as other instruments and collect the

data of the relevant fieldwork.

 To enhance the students’ knowledge in leveling procedure.

 To allow students to learn the correct method in doing leveling measurements.

 To allow students to apply the theories that had been taught in classes to a hands-on

situation.

 To experience the measurement of vertical distances by leveling.

 To determine the difference in height of discrete points and identify the spot of relative

height.

 To identify the reduced level of each staff station.

 To determine the error of misclosure in order to determine if the leveling is acceptable.

 To let students have an opportunities to learn how to record the site measurement and

calculations by using the proper equation table.

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 TAYLOR’S UNIVERSITY | SABD | SITE SURVEYING (QSB 60103) | LEVELING REPORT

3.0 OUTLINE OF APPARATUS

3.1 AUTOMATIC LEVEL

Figure 1.4: Automatic Level

Sources: http://www.surveyingequipment.com/product/leica-na724-automatic-level-package/

Automatic level is a professional leveling tool used by Contractors, Builders, and Land Surveying

Professionals, or Engineer who demands accurate leveling every time. It is a self-leveling optical

instrument for accurately measuring horizontal planes and angles at long or short distances.

Automatic Level is easy to set up and easy to use. Before we use the Automatic Level, we must

set up and make sure the spirit bubble is in the center of the black circle. Besides that, Automatic

Level compensator takes over and precisely levels itself.

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 TAYLOR’S UNIVERSITY | SABD | SITE SURVEYING (QSB 60103) | LEVELING REPORT

3.2 TRIPOD STAND

Figure 1.5: Tripod Stand

Sources: http://www.toolup.com/product-images/2161_1.jpg

A tripod stand is a three-legged support platform for the level. The main function of the tripod

stand is to ensure a stable instrument setup for reliable measurements. The legs of the tripod can

be adjust to get the vertical height that required. Once the instrument is moved, then it must be set

up again which is to loosen the screw and adjust again and lock it back tight. It usually has a flat

tip and a mounting screw for instrument attachment. It is also to make sure that the leveling tripod

placed horizontally.

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 TAYLOR’S UNIVERSITY | SABD | SITE SURVEYING (QSB 60103) | LEVELING REPORT

3.3 OPTICAL PLUMMET

Figure 1.6: Optical Plummet

Sources: https://www.hayesinstrument.com/accs_TopconTribrachOP.jpg

Optical Plummets is a device that used to center the instrument over a ground station. It is used in

place of a plumb bob to center transits and theodolites over a given point, preferred for its

steadiness in strong winds. The procedure speeds up the setting up process as well as protect the

instrument from accident, because it has a lock below the optical plummet to lock the devices that

used in fieldwork. Sometimes, the optical plummet can be used to perform angular or distance

measurements from the survey point.

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 TAYLOR’S UNIVERSITY | SABD | SITE SURVEYING (QSB 60103) | LEVELING REPORT

3.4 LEVELING ROD

Figure 1.7: Leveling Rod

Sources: http://img.alibaba.com/img/pb/971/949/289/289949971_187.jpg

A leveling rod is a tool used to measure the elevation measurements in fieldwork. Leveling Rod

can be a lot of types. The common one is Grade Rod. The rod can be made by wood, metal and

fiberglass. The features of the rod is it can be extend up to 5 meters. It allow us to measure a large

elevation vertical distances. It is also used to determine the relative heights of the different points

in the area under survey.

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 TAYLOR’S UNIVERSITY | SABD | SITE SURVEYING (QSB 60103) | LEVELING REPORT

3.5 SPIRIT BUBBLE

Figure 1.8: Spirit Bubble

Sources: http://g02.a.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1nZ8OJXXXXXaZXpXXq6xXFXXXw/34-20-12mm-

Metal-Bullseye-Level-Circular-vials-Bubble-Spirit-Level-with-Mounting-holes-Accuracy-8.jpg

The spirit bubble is used for maintaining both level rods and sighting poles in a vertical position.

An out of adjustment of spirit bubble level will cause accumulative error in level lines. It can used

in traversing and leveling measurements in fieldworks. In order to get an accurate measurement

for both, the spirit bubble level must be inside the middle of the black circle. It is located on the

optical plummet and leveling rod.

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 TAYLOR’S UNIVERSITY | SABD | SITE SURVEYING (QSB 60103) | LEVELING REPORT

4.0 Leveling Fieldwork (Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus Carpark)

Figure 1.9: Carpark Plan – Checkpoints

Sources: http://dearasis.blogspot.my/2010/02/taylors-lakeside-campus.html

We have given 11 checkpoint on the plan. We required to measure the elevation of every

checkpoint. The benchmark is set at 100.00.

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 TAYLOR’S UNIVERSITY | SABD | SITE SURVEYING (QSB 60103) | LEVELING REPORT

5.0 Field Data

5.1 Rise and Fall Method & Height of Collimation Method

BS IS FS Rise Fall Collimation R.L. Remarks

1.440 100.000 BM 1

1.332 3.572 2.132 101.440 97.868 TP 1

1.295 1.343 0.011 99.200 97.857 TP 2

1.387 1.431 0.136 99.152 97.721 TP 3

1.502 1.480 0.093 99.108 97.628 TP 4

1.361 1.239 0.263 99.130 97.891 TP 5

1.336 1.363 0.002 99.252 97.889 TP 6

1.321 1.537 0.201 99.225 97.688 TP 7

1.290 1.238 0.083 99.009 97.771 TP 8

3.641 1.319 0.029 99.061 97.742 TP 9

1.411 1.391 2.250 101.383 99.992 TP 10

1.385 0.026 101.403 100.018 BM 1

17.314 17.298 2.622 2.604 100.018

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 TAYLOR’S UNIVERSITY | SABD | SITE SURVEYING (QSB 60103) | LEVELING REPORT

Arithmetical Check:

Σ BS – Σ FS = Σ Rise – Σ Fall = Last Reduced Level Reading – First Reduced Level

Reading

Σ BS – Σ FS = 17.314 – 17.298

= + 0.018

Σ Rise – Σ Fall = 2.622 – 2.604

= + 0.018

Last Reduced Level Reading – First Reduced Level Reading

100.018 – 100.000 = + 0.018

Acceptable Misclosure = ±12√K

K = the number of set ups

±12√K = 39.799mm

(The error within 39.799mm is acceptable)

Therefore, the leveling is acceptable.

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 TAYLOR’S UNIVERSITY | SABD | SITE SURVEYING (QSB 60103) | LEVELING REPORT

6.0 Adjusted Data

6.1 Rise and Fall Method & Height of Collimation Method

BS IS FS Rise Fall R.L. Adj. Final R.L. Remarks

1.440 100.000 100.000 BM 1

1.332 3.572 2.132 97.868 -0.0016 97.866 TP 1

1.295 1.343 0.011 97.857 -0.0032 97.853 TP 2

1.387 1.431 0.136 97.721 -0.0048 97.716 TP 3

1.502 1.480 0.093 97.628 -0.0064 97.622 TP 4

1.361 1.239 0.263 97.891 -0.0080 97.883 TP 5

1.336 1.363 0.002 97.889 -0.0096 97.879 TP 6

1.321 1.537 0.201 97.688 -0.0112 97.677 TP 7

1.290 1.238 0.083 97.771 -0.0128 97.758 TP 8

3.641 1.319 0.029 97.742 -0.0144 97.728 TP 9

1.411 1.391 2.250 99.992 -0.0160 99.976 TP 10

1.385 0.026 100.018 -0.0176 100.000 BM 1

Correction = Cumulative distance ÷Total distance × Error

Correction per set up

= Error of misclosure ÷Number of set up

= (100.000 – 100.018) ÷11

= -0.016 m

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 TAYLOR’S UNIVERSITY | SABD | SITE SURVEYING (QSB 60103) | LEVELING REPORT

7.0 Discussion

The benchmark (BM1) is fixed at a reduced level (R.L.) of 100.000. For each turning point

(TP) or changing point (CP), the reading of backsight (BS) and foresight (FS) must be collected

and record down. The auto level will be shifted to another point by following the checkpoint set

on the plan of the carpark. After shifting 11 point, we will get back to the beginning which is

benchmark (BM1) point.

The reduced level is being calculated through the two method, which is Rise and Fall Method

and Height of Collimation Method. To be more accurate, we must do two method in a row. The

Final Reduced Level (F.R.L.) is to make sure that the value is equal or close to initial R.L.

In this report, the data we collected, the Final Reduced Level is slightly more than the initial

Reduced Level. Therefore, we know that there is some misclosure error during our leveling

fieldwork process. If error occurred, we must adjust the reduced level by using the loop

misclosure method that had been taught in class, which is ±12√K. The answer must be within

the loop misclosure. Or else the error is not acceptable. The error can be caused by setting up the

instruments or the spirit bubble level is not inside the black circle. After we found the error, we

can use correction per set up to calculate the amount of correction that needed to correct the

reduced level.

Lastly, we used the initial reduced level to subtract the adjustment amount to get our final

reduced level.

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8.0 Conclusion

In conclusion, we had a great experienced in hands on during our fieldwork in

leveling. We can able to measure the vertical distances through the usage of leveling

equipment during this leveling fieldwork.

We able to done the calculations by using Rise and Fall Method and Height of

Collimation Method. After the table and data collected is recorded down, we found that

we have a +0.018m of error. Thus, there must be a loop misclosure error. Although we

had some loop misclosure mistakes during our calculations, we are able to correct it by

using method that been taught in class. The loop misclosure error we got is 39.799mm.

After we got our loop misclosure error, we calculate the correction per set up and adjust

the initial reduced level to get the final reduced level.

In a nutshell, we thanks our lecturer Mr. Chai for giving us an opportunities to learn

and hands on in leveling. We hope that next time we can have a chance to conduct a

survey like this again.

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