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Abney Levels

An Abney level is a type of hand level that contains a spirit level attached to a telescope and graduated arc. Unlike a standard hand level, the spirit level on an Abney level can be adjusted to different angles using the graduated arc. By setting the arc to a specific degree, the spirit level will indicate level at that angle. Abney levels are used to measure degrees, grades, and topographic elevation, allowing the user to determine heights, volumes, and grades through trigonometry. They are easier to use and less expensive than other options.

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55 views3 pages

Abney Levels

An Abney level is a type of hand level that contains a spirit level attached to a telescope and graduated arc. Unlike a standard hand level, the spirit level on an Abney level can be adjusted to different angles using the graduated arc. By setting the arc to a specific degree, the spirit level will indicate level at that angle. Abney levels are used to measure degrees, grades, and topographic elevation, allowing the user to determine heights, volumes, and grades through trigonometry. They are easier to use and less expensive than other options.

Uploaded by

dlsitable
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Abney Levels

An Abney Level is similar to a Hand Level in that it is a telescope with a spirit level attached. The main
distinction is that the spirit level on an Abney level is not set in a static horizontal position. An Abney
Level features a graduated arc. EngineerSupply sells Abney Levels. Once the arc is set at a specific
degree it will cause the spirit level to show level at that specific angle. Many Abney levels will feature
items such as stadia and will have a feature to focus items at different distances. Some even have a
magnification feature. Abney levels are easier to use and inexpensive. They are used to measure
degrees, percent of grade and topographic elevation. The user can then determine height, volume and
grade through manipulating the readings with trigonometry.

Plumb-bob
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
This article is about the tool. For the nuclear testing program, see Operation Plumbbob.
"Plumbline" redirects here. For other uses, see Plumbline (disambiguation).

A plumb-bob

A plumb-bob or a plummet is a weight, usually with a pointed tip on the bottom, that is
suspended from a string and used as a vertical reference line, or plumb-line.

The instrument has been used since at least the time of ancient Egypt[1] to ensure that
constructions are "plumb", or vertical. It is also used in surveying to establish the nadir with
respect to gravity of a point in space. They are used with a variety of instruments (including
levels, theodolites, and steel tapes) to set the instrument exactly over a fixed survey marker, or to
transcribe positions onto the ground for placing a marker.[2]

Contents
[hide]
 1 Etymology
 2 Use
o 2.1 Determining centre of gravity of an irregular shape
 3 See also
 4 References
 5 External links

[edit] Etymology
The "plumb" in "plumb-bob" comes from the fact that such tools were originally made of lead
(Latin plumbum, probably through French plomb). The adjective "plumb" developed by
extension.

[edit] Use
Up until the modern age, on most tall structures, plumb-bobs were used to provide vertical datum
lines for the building measurements. A section of the scaffolding would hold a plumb line that
was centered over a datum mark on the floor. As the building proceeded upwards the plumb line
would also be taken higher, still centered on the datum. Many cathedral spires, domes and towers
still have brass datum marks inlaid into their floors, that signify the center of the structure above.
[citation needed]

Plumb-bob with scale as an inclinometer

Although a plumb-bob and line alone can only determine a vertical, if mounted on a suitable
scale the instrument may also be used as an inclinometer to measure angles to the vertical.

The early skyscrapers used heavy plumb-bobs hung on wire in their elevator shafts. The weight
would hang in a container of oil to dampen any swinging movement, functioning as a shock
absorber.[citation needed]

[edit] Determining centre of gravity of an irregular shape

Students of figure drawing will also make use of a plumb line to find the vertical axis through the
center of gravity of their subject and lay it down on paper as a point of reference. The device
used may be purpose-made plumb lines, or simply makeshift devices made from a piece of string
and a weighted object, such as a metal washer. This plumb line is important for lining up
anatomical geometries and visualizing the subject's center of balance.

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