Setting Out
Setting Out
Setting Out
Setting out is the process by which information is taken from the construction design drawings,
and pegs, profiles or other marks are then set out to control the construction works and ensure
that each element of work is constructed in the right position and to the correct level.
Setting out is usually conducted after the site is cleared of any debris or obstructions and any
reduced level excavation work is finished. It is usually the responsibility of the contractor to set
out the building using the information provided by the architect. Accurate setting out is very
important and should only be carried out by competent persons and all their work should be
checked, preferably by different persons and using a different method.
In setting out, linear and angular measurements are taken using various methods and equipment.
Common surveying and setting out instruments
Type
Tapes
Theodolite
Automatic level
Digital level
Precise level
Optical plumb
Optical square
Total station
GPS
Laser instruments
Remarks
Steel tapes are used to measure distances. Suitable corrections are to be
done for the measurements.
Optical/manual (analogue) instrument for measuring angles
Set out a horizontal plane automatically
Also automatic, which establish and store the elevation of a point by
using a bar-coded staff and indicate it digitally on an LCD screen.
Also known as geodetic level. Only for very high accuracy control
Optical/manual instrument only.
For setting-out right angles over short distances only.
Most common electronic instrument used on site for the measurement of
both angles and distances. Measurement information displayed digitally
can be stored in a data logger.
Uses a range of positioning and setting out solutions using the Global
Positioning System (GPS) satellites.
Line laser, rotating lasers and laser plummets highly increase the
accuracy, but expensive.
The choice of which instruments to use depends upon many factors including,
size of the site
complexity of the work
precision/accuracy demanded
economics: the time a task requires may be a dominating factor.
Both horizontal and vertical setting out is done using various instruments.
RPK
Total Station
reasonably inexpensive to hire
Requires familiarization with the functions and
operation of the instrument
efficient setting-out of multiple points
excellent for larger scale/more complex sites
requires a battery recharging supply
RPK
Use of baseline
A baseline comprises two setting-out stations a given distance apart. Point A of building X is set
out by taping dimensions 1 and 2 from the baseline and point B is set out by taping dimensions 3
and 4. The dimension AB is then checked against that required. Then the remainder of the
building can be set out from AB, which effectively becomes the baseline for the building. Corner
profiles can then be set out for the building.
RPK
Ordnance benchmark In national ordnance survey maps, heights of locations are shown by
spot levels. These heights are measured relative to a datum called Ordnance Datum which is the
mean sea level at a particular location. From this datum, leveling surveys are made throughout
the country and the levels of large number of points permanently established by Ordnance
Benchmarks..
Temporary benchmark this is a fixed point on site to which all levels are related and should
be established at the early stage in the contract related to an ordnance bench mark.
Levelling
This is the process of establishing height dimensions, relative to a fixed point or datum. Datum is
mean sea level, which varies from country to country. Relative levels defined by benchmarks are
located throughout the country. Reference to Ordnance Survey maps of an area indicates
benchmark positions and their height above sea level, hence the name Ordnance Datum (OD).On
site, it is usual to measure levels from a temporary benchmark (TBM), i.e. a manhole cover or
other permanent fixture, as an OD may be some distance away.
Levelling Instruments
1.
2.
3.
4.
RPK
Automatic Level
Levelling staff
Digital level
Digital staff
Steel tapes
Levels
Theodolite
GPS equipment
Laser instruments
Pegs These are either 50 mm x 50 mm x 500 mm stakes for soft ground or 25 mm x 25
mm x 300 mm angle irons for hard standing.
7. Profiles A wooden stake to which a cross piece is nailed. For sewer work, profiles
called sight rails are preferable.
8. Travellers These are mobile profile boards used with sight rails
Setting out of buildings
The first step in setting out is to establish a baseline to which all the setting out can be related.
The base line is often the same as the building line which is a line whose position on site is given
by the local authority in front of which no development is permitted.
RPK
RPK
RPK
References
Sadgrove, B.M., Setting out procedures for the modern built environment, Butterworth,
CIRIA
Chudley, R., Greeno, R., Building Construction Handbook, 7th edn, ButterworthHeinemann
RPK