HCC/PGCDC LINE AND GRADE

SEMINAR
(March 2, 2019)
 Line and Grade Works is vividly one of the head keys of a
structure’s footprints. It plays the most crucial role on site and
is considered as one of the most significant items in the field of
construction. Many lessons were learned and incalculable
things were discovered through these on site circumstances. As
a final dot, an unbroken chain of knowledge in Line and Grade
Works shall be continuously applied throughout the completion
of the project, thus, it is indispensable to be eager for further
improvement and innovative advancement in the sphere of
Line and Grade Works.
Line and Grade Works Prior to Occupancy
Take Over
 Reconnaisance Survey
 Tie line with respective coordinates
 Bench mark with corresponding elevation
 A copy of lot technical description
 Cadd file (optional)
 Table survey
 Sample Illustration:

Tie line – are primarily provided to avoid long offsets from chain line.
Base line – longest survey line passing through the center of the area
to be surveyed.
Check line – the line joining between the apex of triangle and some
fixed point on survey line or on base line.
Bench mark – is a post or other permanent mark established at a
known elevation.
 Layout Implementation for Line and
Grade Works

 Relocation Survey

 Double checking of limits i.e. excavation

limit, footprint of building
 Establish reference gridlines

 Craft footprints of the building to be

constructed
 Layout Procedures for Foundation Works
l. Data Gathering and Reviewing

• Secure all data needed such as tie line coordinates, lot

technical description plans, setting-out plans and other
constructive data files for building orientation references.

• Review and study all data gathered by calculating the given

dimensions and distances for double-checking.

• Consider strict layout execution when measuring and plotting

required points and/or lines.
 II. Setting-up Surveying Instruments prior to Starting
Lay-outs

• Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) instrument such as total

station are being used for lay-out works.
• For angular outlines, set instruments at point B mark, establish
point A mark as foresight and establish point C mark as back sight.

• Rotate telescope horizontally at 180 0. Sight point A mark and C

mark. Points observed at the first and latter markings must be the
same, if not, the instruments need for calibration.

• For measuring distances using prism, set instrument at point A

mark, establish point B mark, establish point C mark.
• Measure distances between point A mark to point B mark, point B
mark to point C mark, point A mark to point C mark using steel
tape, record as your reference.

• As the instrument set at point A mark, erect prism with rod at point
B mark. Place bubble on center then observe distance, erect prism
with rod at point C mark, place bubble on center then observe
distance, record as you reference.

• Compare observed distances (steel tape versus prism). They must

be numerically the same.

• If ever the observed distances from the two methods aren’t equal,
adjust the instrument constant by governing the record distances
from steel tape.
 lll. Plotting and Measuring of Gridlines and Reference Points

• Select points to be used for establishing required layout lines.

• Calculate the distance and directions of the targeted point using

surveying instrument such as total station or transit.

• Input data computed using coordinate method or horizontal

distance method (for total station).

• Make use of offset distance when laying-out lines. Maximum of

two (2) meters and minimum of one (1) meter shall be applied
when using offset distances.
• No decimal number shall be used for offset distances (e.g. 1.1,
1.8, 2.2 meters) unless otherwise you will be forced to do so.

• Always establish backsights and foresights when marking points

and lines to ensure the linearity of sight. Place the points, if
possible, on fixed and unmoving structures such as existing CHB
walls and electric posts.
• Plot the result for reference use prior to starting layouts.

• After all lines and points have been establish, measure plotted
lines for actual checking with the use of steel tape. Make sure
steel tape upon measuring lines is on its leveled position to
lessen theory of errors.
TRIBRACH
lV. Establishing Control Points (During Foundation Works)

• Set the instrument at point TR3, serve point TR4 as back sight
while point TR2 as foresight. Establish location of BP12, BP17, BP20
and BP24 that falls on the same directions to form gridline 5 T2.
• Set instrument at midpoint of BP12 and BP20, use BP24 as back
sight, BP12 as foresight. Rotate instrument horizontally at an angle
of 900 to form gridline CT2.
• As gridlines 5T2 and CT2 were formed, project lines to establish
gridline s that are indicated in setting out plan.

• Gridline FT2/6T2 was marked on concrete road pavement, its back

sight was marked at existing CHB wall, gridline F T1/6T1 was marked
on concrete road pavement served as foresight, and a projected
line of sight was marked on existing CHB wall.
• Mark the centerline for guidelines F p, GP, HP, JP, KP, and Lp, refer to
any of the established control points (GL E T2/5T2, FT2/6T2, ET1/5T1,
FT1/6T1).

• Establish foresight and backsight along the centerline to maintain

line of sight. All points establish along the centerline were put with
an offset one (1) meter from the centerline.

• The established control point for the centerline was set with offsets
one (1) meter from the centerline and six (6) meters from the
gridlines 28. (location of batter board)

• Set the instruments at the new control point, level the instrument
and sight the points established along the centerline. Rotate
instrument horizontally at an angle of 90 0 to form the unmarked
gridlines.
• Use the instrument for laying-out the unmarked control points.
Recheck the distances using steel tape. Compare with the prism
result. If prism and steel tape methods aren’t equal, then, the
latter shall govern.

• Use control points as references when forming needed gridlines for

laying-out works. Control points are considered to be the lifeblood
of all gridlines, thus, they must be cautioned and must check all the
time before starting any lay-out work.
 V. Forming Structure Configurations and Dimensions

• After all control points and gridlines were established, craft the
configurations and dimensions for the needed structures (e.g.
footings, columns, retaining walls).

• Terminations of the required structure shall be based from the

patterned gridlines. No other lines shall be drawn except for the
given gridlines of the surveyor.

• Double check the dimensions using meter tape. Refer to the

setting-out plans for further verification.
 VI. Rechecking for Layouts

• Go back to the original control/reference points when obstructions

existed in the area of the desired point. After which, successive
series of survey tests must be undergone for lay-out assurances.
• Reiterate the guidelines for measuring and plotting of gridlines and
points.

• When all points are tolerable from error, recheck the constructed
structures prior to formworks and concrete pouring works.
• Any miscalculations and error after the installation of structures
must be reported to the immediate superior for supplemental
rectification and verification.
 Layout Procedures for Superstructure Works
l. Data Gathering and Reviewing

• Secure all data needed such as setting-out plans for walls, columns,
beams, slabs, finish floor elevations, cambering, reflected ceiling,
combined services drawings (MEPFS) and other constructive data
files for building orientation references.
• Review and study all data gathered by calculating the given
dimensions and distances for double-checking.

• Analyze each plan for any conflicts and discrepancies.

• Consider strict layout execution when measuring and plotting

required points and/or lines.
 II. Establishing Control Points
• Control points (from foundation works) established on ground
floor level shall be used for lay-out works for Superstructure.
• These reference points were reflected on slabs with offset
distances that vary as per actual site condition. Maximum of two
(2) meters and minimum of one (1) meter were applied on these
offsets.
• No decimal numbers shall be used for offset distances (e.g. 1.1, 1.8,
2.2 meters) unless otherwise you will forced to do so.
• As per actual site condition, existing gridline offset distances were
situated 1.5 meters from each gridline, both x and y axis, due to
conflict with lay-out of formworks’ scaffolds that fell exactly under
the previous established control points which were marked with
offset one (1) meter from each gridline.
• Prior to starting lay-out works using Electronic Distance
Measurement (EDM) instruments such as laser plummet (JC-100)
and total station for vertical and conventional lay-out works
respectively, select desired points to be used for establishing
required lay-out lines.

• Always establish backsights and foresights when marking points

and lines to ensure the linearity of the sight. Minimum of three (3)
point sights shall be peeked upon establishing designated points.

• After all selected points had been established, review and study
upper floor plans to ensure that no beams or girders will crossway
the plummet laser spotting the succeeding upper floors.
 III. Control Points for Succeeding Floors
• Use Laser Plummet (JC-100) instrument to establish upper control
points.

• The plummet of this instrument can be employed for up to ten (10)

floors – approximately thirty (30) meters from the ground floor.
This is to guarantee the accurate verticality of the building and
moreover may lessen theory of error from floor to floor.

• Prior to concrete pouring of suspended slabs of the succeeding

floors, block outs shall be fabricated directly below the control
points and to be used for establishing control points in each floor.
The size of a block out shall not be more than 10cmx10cm. Make
sure that no obstruction shall traverse the direction of the
plummet.
• Plot the points using the laser plummet instrument and follow
same procedures in establishing control points for the next floors.

• Mark x and y axis using “pitik” prior to starting lay-out works for
architectural and MEPFS settings.

• Recheck control points to ensure the correct orientation,

configuration and alignment of structures.
PRISM HOLDER
 IV. Setting-up Laser Plummet (JC-100) Instruments prior
to Starting Lay-outs

• Laser Plummet instrument shall be used for vertical lay-out works.

• Digital instrument levels itself automatically, thus, no other leveling

devices shall be needed.

• Always check the laser dot of the plummet to avoid any error. Use
“pahulog” for double-checking. Maximum of two (2) millimeter
inaccuracy shall be tolerated.
• Regular calibration testing shall always undertake to ensure the
accuracy of the instrument.
 V. Forming Structure Configurations and Dimensions

• After all control points and gridlines were established, craft the
configurations and dimensions for the needed structures (column,
wall, beam, girder, et. al).

• Termination of the required structure shall be based from the

patterned gridlines. No other lines shall be drawn except for the
given gridlines of the surveyor.

• Double check the dimensions using meter tape. Refer to the

setting-out plans for further verification.
 VI. Rechecking of Lay-outs
• Go back to the original control/reference points when obstructions
existed in the area of the desired point. After which, successive
series of survey tests must be undergone for lay-out assurances.

• Reiterate the guidelines for measuring and plotting of gridlines and

points.

• When all points are tolerable from error, recheck the constructed
structures prior to formworks, concrete pouring works and MEPFS
works.
• Any miscalculations and errors after the installation of structures
must be reported to the immediate superior for supplemental
rectification and verification.
 LESSONS LEARNED (Line and Grade Works)

Considered to be the life of the building and the soul of the

structure, Line and Grade Works is set primarily to be the first and
eventually the ultimate setting of any toil in the field of construction,
thus, it is vitally imperative prior to preliminary structure erection. It is
necessary to determine the relative positions of points above, on or
beneath the surface of the earth or to establish desired points. It is for
thus reason why Line and Grade Works, particularly surveying,
continues to undergo important changes and innovations for the
betterment of the structure’s intent for any given project.
 There is no perfect structure, indeed, but through such
technological modernisms of line and grade instruments and
equipment used and some techniques in implementing layouts,
theory of errors are diminished, therefore, time and effort in
construction works are saved and arrested.

For us to be able to execute proper layout works without

consigning intolerable inaccuracies and so preserve the architectural
and structural intent of a given structure, a great deal of lessons were
learned during the foundation works and the thought of applying
these pieces of learning for the superstructure works are
constructively useful, generally, in effect for the entire project.
Presented enclosed is a matrix of common experiences during the foundation
works and in the early phases of the superstructure works:
EXECUTION PROBLEM ENCOUNTERED ACTION TAKEN LEARNING
 Establishing tie  A little unsecured of  Frequent rechecking of  Ensure proper
lines/control these points due to control points by establishment of points by
points insufficient areas of establishing several forming fixed batter
permanent set-up of offset points free from boards/pedestals prior to
the control points obstruction and moving starting layout works
loads

 Set-up of survey  Erroneous plummet  Proper set-up of  Survey instruments like

instruments target (total station) instrument and constant total station have internal
due to several set-up, calibration testing processors and are
care oblivion in using programmable like any
the instrument other gadgets, thus so,
these are fragile in nature
and should be handled
with care.

 Structural  Inevitable  Regular rechecking of  Numerous site conditions

layout (manual) miscalculation of layout and unbending should be considered, as
distances and supervision of site per actual situation, due to
measurement (human supervisors conflicting of different
error) trades especially MEPFS,
thus, keen knowledge and
advance skills in
implementing layout works
must be properly practiced
 Structural  Miscalculation of  Constant checking  Distance/
layout using data input due to of the prism’s measurement
instruments conflicting key instrument awareness prior to
) plans and an constant versus laying-out works
invariable error of steel tape, if error
prism (for total occurs, steel tape
station) versus governs
steel tape
 Elevation  Faulty sight target  Manageable  Strict execution of
checking of elevations elevation elevation checking
especially for inspection by line and assurance of
offsets (e.g. and grade elevation termination
columns over representatives shall be studied and
poured due to (aide and engineer) reviewed, with
uncontrollable before, while and appropriate
discharging of after concrete instruction to
concrete during pouring especially subordinates, prior to
placement, lacking for columns. installation of
of checking for formworks and
elevation concrete placement
termination)
Thank you!