Solutions Manual

for
Construction Surveying
and Layout

Second Edition

Prepared by

Wesley G. Crawford

with assistance from

Albert L. McConahay

Kiela Watson

Brian Phillips
 Solutions Manual
Construction Surveying and Layout, 2nd Ed.

Table of Contents

Chapter Page
1................................................................................................................................ 1
2............................................................................................................................... 1
3............................................................................................................................... 1
4.......................................................................................................................... 3 – 4
5...............................................................................................................................5
6...............................................................................................................................5
7........................................................................................................................... 5 - 6
8...............................................................................................................................6
9........................................................................................................................... 6 - 7
10............................................................................................................................. 7
11.............................................................................................................................. 8
12..............................................................................................................................8
13......................................................................................................................... 8 - 9
14........................................................................................................................ 9 - 11
15...................................................................................................................... 12 - 18
16......................................................................................................................18 - 23
17...................................................................................................................... 23 - 25
18..................................................................................................................... 25 - 32
19............................................................................................................................32
20.....................................................................................................................32 - 33
21............................................................................................................................33
22.....................................................................................................................33 - 36
23........................................................................................................................... 36
24........................................................................................................................... 36
25........................................................................................................................... 36
26................................................................................................. No Questions Presented

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 Solutions Manual
Construction Surveying and Layout, 2nd Ed.

Chapter 1 - Scope and Responsibilities

1. Describe what a field engineer is and list the duties and responsibilities of a person in that position.
Reference page 1-3.
2. Discuss why field engineers should not perform property surveys.
Reference page 1-13.

Chapter 2 - Communications and Field Engineering

3. The most important part of communicating is said to be the ability to listen. List some factors that improve
the listening ability of field engineers.
Reference page 2-5.
4. What is the number for the following hand signals?
a) seven
b) one
c) three
d) nine
Reference page 2-14.
5. What are the meanings of the following hand signals?
a) close to grade
b) cut
c) give me line
d) I want line
Reference page 2-25.
6. What is the tolerance for the following types of construction stakes?
a) rough grade stakes
b) slope stakes
c) curb and gutter
Reference page 2-23.
7. What is wrong with the following control information found on the wall of a construction site?
a) off of “L” line ⇒ North, South, East, or West
b) feet above floor ⇒ Rough or Finish
Reference page 2-28.

Chapter 3 - Getting Started and Organized

8. Identify the most important activity of the field engineer.
“Planning.”
9. List the common personal surveying tools used by most field engineers.
Reference page 3-4.

Chapter 4 - Fieldwork Basics

10. List the basic personal protective equipment of field engineers.
Reference page 4-4.
11. Identify the most important factor in the overall safety of the field engineer.
Reference page 4-4.

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12. Develop a list of 10 mistakes or blunders that could occur in construction measurement.
Reference page 4-11.
13. Distinguish between errors and mistakes.
Reference page 4-11.
14. Discuss which errors can be eliminated and which errors can only be reduced in size by refined techniques.
Reference page 4-12.
15. What is the basic rule of measurement for a field engineer?
“Do it twice.”
16. State the basic rule of thumb regarding tolerances in construction measurement.
Reference page 4-15.
17. List and discuss the cardinal rules of field book use.
Reference page 4-18.
18. State why erasures are absolutely not allowed in a field book.
Reference page 4-21.
19. State why a combination of the methods of notekeeping is best.
Reference page 4-22.
20. State the simple rules regarding transporting an instrument in a vehicle.
Reference page 4-26.
21. What special storage precautions should be used when the climate is very cold or very hot?
Reference page 4-29.
22. How is the care of electronic instruments different from optical instruments?
Reference page 4-30.
23. Describe how to care for and maintain the following surveying tools: plumb bob, hand level, Gammon
reel, chaining pins, range poles prism poles brush clearing equipment, steel chain, cloth chain, level rod,
hand-held calculators, ni-cad batteries.
Reference page 4-35.
24. State the left thumb rule for leveling an instrument.
Reference page 4-46.
25. Describe the process used to set up an instrument over a point with a plumb bob.
Reference page 4-52.

26. Describe the process used to “Quick Setup” an instrument over a point with an optical plummet.
Reference page 4-55.

Chapter 5 - Officework Basics

27. List the basic information that should be shown on a site drawing.

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Reference page 5-10.

28. State why a graphical scale should be used on all drawings.
Reference page 5-11.
29. Describe the common characteristics of contours.
Reference page 5-16.
30. State the purpose of lift drawings.
Reference page 5-20.
31. Using a set of plans for a building on a slab, prepare a lift drawing of the slab details by following the Lift
Drawing Checklist in Chapter 5.
Reference page 5-24.

Chapter 6 - Distance Measurement - Chaining

32. List the tools a field engineer uses to measure a distance by chaining.
Reference page 6-4.
33. Outline the step-by-step procedure for chaining a distance.
Reference page 6-7.
34. State when it is necessary to use a hand level while chaining.
Reference page 6-9.
35. What is the process called when you use lengths shorter than 100 feet to measure between points?
“Breaking chain.”
36. List common mistakes that occur when chaining.
Reference page 6-16.
37. Distinguish between systematic errors and random errors in chaining.

Chapter 7 - Distance Measurement - EDM

38. List potential uses of an EDM in construction.
Layout of building lines.
Sitework layout.
Establishing primary control.
Establishing secondary control.
Layout centerline of road.
etc.
39. What sighting procedure with the EDM can be used to eliminate complicated geometric calculations?
Reference page 7-8.
40. Outline the step-by-step procedure for measuring a distance with an EDM.
Reference pages 7-9.
41. What is the greatest source of error with EDM measurement?
Reference page 7-26.

Chapter 8 - Angle Measurement

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42. Illustrate the geometric relationships of any angle turning instrument.

Reference page 8-7.
43. Identify the three basic parts of the transit.
Reference page 8-8.
44. State the basic order of the steps in turning a horizontal angle direct and reverse.
Reference page 8-18.
45. After turning two direct and reverse angles, you read an angle of 241º 21' 20". What is the average angle
turned?
60°20′ 20″
46. What process allows for systematic errors in a transit’s horizontal axis to be eliminated?
“Double centering.”
47. Distinguish between zenith angle and vertical angle and state why zenith angle is used on modern
theodolites.
Reference page 8-24.

Chapter 9 - Leveling
48. Illustrate the basic theory of differential leveling.
Reference page 9-4.
49. Define the following leveling terms.
a) Benchmark
b) Backsight
c) height of Instrument
d) Foresight
e) Turning Point
Reference pages 9-6.
50. Describe the step-by-step differential leveling procedure.
Reference pages 9-7, 9-15.
51. State why the distance from the instrument to the backsight and the instrument to the foresight must be the
same. (Balanced)
To eliminate error due to the instrument and earth
curvature.

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52. Complete the following set of differential leveling notes and perform the arithmetic check.
Closing a
Loop from
BM #6
Station BS HI FS ELEVATION
BM #6 155.375
Station 1 1.255 156.630
TP 1 3.110 153.52
Station 2 0.465 153.985
TP 2 2.095 151.89
Station 3 0.13 152.02
TP 3 0.245 151.775
Station 4 3.765 155.540
BM#6 0.165 155.375

Arithmetic Check:
Starting elevation + ΣBS - ΣFS = Ending elevation
155.375 + 5.615 - 5.615 = 225.74
53. Complete the accompanying set of differential leveling notes and perform the arithmetic check for the
following problem.
Station BS HI FS ELEVATION
BM 65 1.36 578.39 577.03
TP1 2.54 578.61 2.32 576.07
TP2 2.55 578.93 2.23 576.38
TP3 3.01 579.69 2.25 576.68
TP4 3.02 580.36 2.35 577.34
TP5 3.02 581.28 2.10 578.26
TP6 2.98 582.25 2.01 579.27
BM 65 5.24 577.01

Arithmetic Check:
Starting elevation + ΣBS - ΣFS = Ending elevation
577.03 + 18.48 -18.50 = 577.01

Chapter 10 - Total Stations

54. Distinguish between a total station and an EDM.
A total station can measure both angles and
distances, but the EDM can measure only
distances.
55. List advantages of the total station as compared to a top-mount EDM.
The total station is advantageous because it is a
fully integrated unit that can use the angle and
distance measurements to easily obtain horizontal
distances. A top-mount EDM requires obtaining
the distance and angle measurements individually
and manually calculating the horizontal distance.
56. Describe how the total station is used for measuring distances and angles.
Reference page 10-11.
57. List the features that are typically available on an Electronic Field Book. Reference page 10-20.

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Chapter 11 - Construction Lasers

58. What is LASER an acronym for?
Reference page 11-4.
59. List advantages of lasers as a construction tool.
Reference page 11-5.
60. Distinguish between fixed, rotating, and utility lasers.
Reference page 11-6.
61. Describe how it is possible to establish grade (elevations) with one person, using a lenker rod and Laser.
Reference page 11-11.

Chapter 12 - Equipment Calibration

62. llustrate with a sketch the following geometric relationships that exist in transits and theodolites.
a) VA perpendicular to HA.
b) VA perpendicular to PL.
c) HA perpendicular to LOS.
d) VCH perpendicular to HA.
e) TL parallel to LOS.
Reference page 12-13.
63. The quick peg test is used to check which geometric relationship in a level?
Reference page 12-25.
64. Describe how to calibrate a bull’s-eye bubble and a hand level.
Reference pages 12-29 and 12-32.

Chapter 13 - Math Review and Conversions

65. Convert the following feet and decimal parts of a foot to feet, inches, and eighths.
Feet, tenths, hundredths Feet, inches, eighths
222.20 222′ - 2 3/8″
125.87 125′ - 10 1/2″
42.42 42′ - 5″
110.55 110′ - 6 5/8″
15.92 15′ - 11″

66. Convert the following feet, inches, and fractions to feet and decimal parts of a foot.
Feet, inches, eighths Feet, tenths, hundredths
25' - 4 3/8" 25.36
44' - 11 5/8" 44.97
123' - 6" 123.50
88' - 3 1/4" 88..27
222' - 2 1/2" 222.21

67. Convert the following degrees, minutes, and seconds to decimal degrees.
Degrees, minutes, seconds Degrees and decimal

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15° 25′ 13″ 15.42027778°

33° 53′ 45″ 33.89583333°
77° 23′ 59″ 77.39972222°
125° 48′ 15″ 125.8041667°
278° 42′ 55″ 278.7152778°

68. Convert the following decimal degrees to Degrees, minutes, and seconds.
Degrees and decimal Degrees, minutes, seconds
33.23456722° 33° 14′ 04″
75.34698543° 75° 20′ 49″
123.4500392° 123° 27′ 00″
289.2222222° 289° 13′ 20″
234.2700000° 234° 16′ 12″

Chapter 14 - Distance Corrections

69. A field engineer has measured the distance between column lines with a chain which is later discovered to
be too long. In order to determine the actual distance between points, how should the correction be
applied?
Measuring a distance with a long chain ⇒
Add correction to recorded distance.
70. A field engineer used a chain which is too short to lay out a foundation of a large building. If she sets
points at the prescribed distances from plans, how should the correction be applied?
Laying out a distance with a short chain ⇒ Add
correction to plan distance.
71. What is the distance between two building control points measured (recorded) to be 600 feet, if the 100-
foot chain was found to be too long by 0.015 feet?
Recorded (measured) distance = 600 ft.
Chain is too long ⇒ Add correction.
+0.015 ft/Chain Length (CL)
Total Correction = 6 * 0.015 = 0.09′
CORRECTED DISTANCE = 600.09 ft
72. A chain 100 feet long is laid on ground sloping 5%. What is the horizontal distance if the slope distance is
300 feet?
h2 52
Cg = = = 0.125′ /CL
2 * CL 2 * 100
Total correction = 0.375′
HORIZONTAL DISTANCE = 299.62

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73. A 100-foot steel chain (known to be 99.93 feet) was used to measure between two building points. A
distance of 147.44 feet was recorded at a temperature of 43°F. What is the distance after correcting for
temperature and chain length error?
Measured distance = 147.44 ft.
① Chain is too short ⇒ Subtract correction.
Cl = (-0.07) * (1.4744) = -0.103
② Temperature (T) = 43°F
Chain is too short ⇒ Subtract correction.
Ct = 0.00000645 * (43-68) * 147.44 = -0.024
③ CORRECTED DISTANCE = 147.44 - 0.103 - 0.024 =
147.31
74. The slope distance between the two points is 24.776 feet and the slope angle is 1° 17′ . Compute the
horizontal distance.
Slope distance = 24.776
Slope angle = 1° 17′
Horizontal distance = cos(Slope angle) * Slope
distance
= cos(1° 17′ ) * (24.776)
= (.9997492) * (24.776)
HORIZONTAL DISTANCE = 24.770
75. The slope distance between two points is 42.71 feet, and the difference in elevation between them is 3.56
feet. Compute the horizontal distance.
HORIZONTAL DISTANCE = 24 .776 2 − 3.56 2 = 24.52 ft
76. A distance of 328 feet was measured along a 2% slope. Compute the horizontal distance.
h2 22
Cg = = ⇒ Cg = 0.02′ /CL
2 * CL 2 * 100
Total correction = (0.02)*(3.28) = 0.066′
CORRECTED DISTANCE = 328.00 - 0.066 = 327.93
77. It is required to lay out a rectangular building, 75 feet wide by 100 feet long. If the 100’ steel chain being
used is 99.94 feet long, what distances should be laid out?
Building = 75′ x 100′
Tape = 0.06′ Short
Required Layout Corrections:
(.06) * (.75) = 0.045
(.06) * (1.00) = 0.06
Add Correction ⇒ CORRECTED BUILDING DIMENSIONS =
75.045′ x 100.06′
78. A concrete slab measuring 10 feet by 85 feet is to be laid out by a chain known to be 100.07 feet long
under standard conditions. What distances should be laid out?
① Layout 10 ft. distance.
Chain is too long ⇒ Subtract correction.
-0.07 ft/CL
Corrected Distance = 10 - (0.07)*(0.1) = 9.99 ft.
② Layout 85 ft. distance.
Corrected Distance = 85 - (0.07)*(0.85) = 84.94
ft.
③ DISTANCES TO BE LAID OUT = 9.99′ x 84.94′

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79. A 100′ steel chain standardized at 99.98′ was used to measure a distance between control points of
1275.36 feet when the field temperature was 87°F. The ground was sloping at 5%. What is this distance
under standard conditions?
Measured distance = 1275.36 ft.
① Chain is too short ⇒ Subtract correction.
-0.02 ft/CL
Cl = (-0.02)*(12.7536) = 0.255
② T = 87°F ⇒ Add correction.
Ct = 0.00000645 (87-68) (1275.36) = 0.156
③ CORRECTED DISTANCE = 268.33 - 0.08 - 0.05 = 268.20
ft
80. A steel chain known to be 99.94 feet under standard conditions is used to measure the distance between
two control points. If a distance of 178.4 feet was recorded at 58°F, what distance should be measured at
a temperature of 75°F?
① Tape = 0.06′ Short ⇒ Subtract correction
Temperature = 58°F ⇒ Tape short ⇒ Subtract
correction
Distance = 178.4
-0.06/Tape Length
(58-68) * (0.00000645) * 100 = -0.006/TL
total correction/TL = -0.066
total correction = -0.066 * 1.784 = -0.119
Corrected distance = 178.4 - 0.119 = 178.281
② Tape = 0.06 Short ⇒ Add correction
Temperature = 75°F ⇒ Tape long ⇒ Subtract
correction
+0.06/TL
(75-68) * (0.00000645) * 100 = -0.005/TL
total correction/TL = +0.055
total correction = 0.055 * 1.78281 = 0.099
CORRECTED DISTANCE = 178.281 + 0.099 = 178.38
81. A steel chain known to be 100.03 feet is used to measure the distance between two building corners. If the
distance between the corners is supposed to be 268.33 feet and the field temperature is 97°F, then what
distance should be laid out?
Layout distance = 268.33 ft.
① Chain is too long ⇒ Subtract correction.
-0.03 ft/CL
Cl = (0.03) (2.6833) = 0.080
② T = 97°F ⇒ Chain is too long ⇒ Subtract
correction.
Ct = 0.00000645 (97-68) (268.33) = 0.050
③ CORRECTED DISTANCE = 268.33 - 0.08 - 0.05 = 268.20
82. Two control points are known to be 487.63 feet apart. Using a 200′ chain known to be 199.96 feet under
standard conditions, what distance should be measured when the field temperature is 78°F?
Layout distance = 487.63 ft.
① Chain is too short ⇒ Add correction.
+0.04 ft/CL
Cl = (0.04) (2.438) = 0.098
② T = 78°F ⇒ Chain is too long ⇒ Subtract
correction.
Ct = 0.00000645 (78-68) (487.63) = 0.031

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③ CORRECTED DISTANCE = 487.63 + 0.098 - 0.031 =

487.70 ft

Chapter 15 - Traverse Computations

83. What is the angular closure for the following interior field angles of traverse ABCDEF, measured with
equal precision?

84. Using the angles in the previous problem, how much adjustment is needed for each angle?
87° 54′ 12″ ⇒ 87° 54′ 09″
90° 32′ 54″ ⇒ 90° 32′ 51″
102° 43′ 31″ ⇒ 102° 43′ 28″
99° 24′ 44″ ⇒ 99° 24′ 41″
156° 01′ 56″ ⇒ 156° 01′ 53″
183° 23′ 01″ ⇒ 183° 22′ 58″
720° 00′ 18″ 720° 00′ 00″
85. Using adjusted angles from above, and a direction for line AB of 247°, what is the direction for each line?
Line Azimuth
AB 247° 00′ 00″
BC 336° 27′ 09″
CD 53° 43′ 41″
DE 134° 19′ 00″
EF 158° 17′ 07″
FA 154° 54′ 09″
86. Provide the back azimuth for the following azimuths:
a) 132° 12′ 07″ + 180° = 312° 12′ 07″
b) 56° 52′ 17″ + 180° = 236° 52′ 17″
c) 311° 32′ 42″ - 180° = 131° 32′ 42″
87. Convert the following azimuths into bearings:
a) 351° 43′ 52″ = N 8° 16′ 08″ W
b) 11° 32′ 59″ = N 11° 32′ 59″ E
c) 326° 32′ 52″ = N 33° 27′ 08″ W
88. Given two successive azimuths of a traverse 69° 21′ followed by 320° 11′ , what is the counterclockwise
interior angle between them?
69° 21′ +180° = 249° 21′
Az. 320° 11′ 319° 71′ - 249° 21′ = 70° 50′
CCW Interior Angle = 70° 50′
89. Given two successive bearings of a traverse N 41° 35′ E followed by S 87° 36′ E, what is the interior angle
between them?
Interior angle = 41°35′ + 87°36′ = 129°11′
90. A 400′ line bears N 88° 11′ 07″ E. What is the latitude and departure of the line?
Latitude = 400*cos(88°11′ 07″ ) = 12.67′
Departure = 400*sin(88°11′ 07″ ) = 399.80′
91. A 656′ line bears S 52° 53′ 42″ W. What is the latitude and departure of the line?
Latitude = 656*cos(52°53′ 42″ ) = -395.75′
Departure = 656*sin(52°53′ 42″ ) = -523.18′
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92. A 736.32′ line has an azimuth of 78° 52′ 13″. What is the latitude and departure of the line?
Latitude = 736.32*cos(78°52′ 13″ ) = 142.13′
Departure = 736.32*sin(78°52′ 13″ ) = 722.47′
93. A 1333.45′ line has an azimuth of 203°24′ . What is the latitude and departure of the line?
Latitude = 1333.45*cos(23°24′ = -1223.78′
Departure = 1333.45*sin(23°24′ ) = -529.58′
94. The closure in latitudes of a loop traverse is N 0.36 feet; the closure in departures is W 0.25 feet. What is
the linear error of closure?
L.E.O.C. = 0.36 2 + 0.25 2 = 0.4383
95. The unbalanced latitudes and departures of a closed traverse, and the lengths of the sides are given below.
What is the precision?
Course Length Latitude Departure
AB 357.65 N 326.41 W 146.18
BC 329.22 N 58.27 E 324.02
CD 423.6 S 384.52 W 177.70

Answer: Latitudes, Departures and Closure

Line Distance North South East West
Latitude Latitude Departure Departure
AB 357.65 326.41 146.18
BC 329.22 58.27 324.02
CA 423.60 384.52 177.70
TOTAL 1110.47 384.68 384.52 324.02 323.88
Closure = 0.16 Closure = 0.14

Answer: L.E.O.C and Precision

L.E.O.C. = 0.213
Precision = 0.213/1110.47 = 1/5223

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96. For the following traverse WXYZ, what is the corrected departure of XY?
Course Direction Length Latitude Departure
WX N 68° 12′ E 340.2 126.3 345.9
XY S 7° 54′ E 261.7 259.2 36.0
YZ S 51° 06′ W 413.5 259.7 321.8
ZW N 4° 25′ W 377.9 376.6 31.6

Answer: Latitudes, Departures and Closures

North South East West
Line Distance Latitude Corr. Latitude Departure Corr. Departure
WX 340.2 126.3 +0.02 315.9 +0.02
XY 261.7 -0.02 259.2 36.0 +0.02
YZ 413.5 -0.03 259.7 -0.03 321.7
ZW 393.7 392.5 +0.03 -0.03 30.3
TOTAL 1110.47 518.8 518.9 351.9 352.0
Closure = 0.10 Closure = 0.10

Answer: Adjusted Latitudes & Departures

North South East West
Line Latitude Latitude Departure Departure
WX 126.32 315.92
XY 259.18 36.02
YZ 259.67 321.67
ZW 392.53 30.27

97. A four-sided closed traverse ABCD has the following angles and distances.
A = 88° 30′ AB = 262.76′
B = 90° 22′ BC = 955.63′
C = 87° 00′ CD = 250.49′
D = 94° 08′ DA = 944.47′
The direction of AB is an azimuth of 88°.
a) Perform a check for angular closure. 88° 30′ + 90° 22′ + 87° 00′ + 94° 08′ = 360°00′ √
b) Compute the direction for all sides. (Azimuths)
c) Compute the latitudes and departures.
North South East Dep. West Dep.
Line Azimuth Dist. Lat. Corr. Lat. Corr.
AB 88° 00′ 262.76 9.17 -0.02 262.60 +0.01
BC 177° 38′ 955.63 +0.07 954.81 39.46 +0.05
CD 270°38′ 250.49 2.77 -0.02 -0.01 250.47
DA 356°30′ 944.47 942.71 -0.07 -0.05 57.66
TOTAL 2413.35 954.65 954.81 302.06 308.13
Closure = 0.16 Closure = 6.07

d) Compute the linear error of closure and the precision ratio.

L.E.O.C. = .16 +.6.07
2 2

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1
Precision = L.E.O.C./2413.35 = (Terrible
397
Precision!. Return to the field and remeasure. For
the sake of seeing how the compass rule works,
the given data is used in the following
adjustments.

e) Using the compass rule, compute the adjustments for latitudes and departures and apply the
adjustments. See above table.

ADJUSTED LATITUDES & DEPARTURES

North South East West
Line Latitude Latitude Departure Departure
AB 9.19 263.26
BC 954.75 41.86
CD 2.79 249.84
DA 942.77 55.28

f) Assuming coordinates of North 1000 and East 1000 for point A, compute the coordinates of B, C, and
D.
Point Northing Easting
A 1000.00 1000.00
B 1009.19 1263.26
C 54.44 1305.12
D 57.23 1055.28

g) Using the computed coordinates, compute the area in acres enclosed by the traverse.
Area = cross multiplication of the listed coordinates
Area = 487,119/2 ft2
Area = 5.59 acres
98. A four-sided closed traverse LMNO has the following angles and distances.
L = 110° 38′ LM = 470.52
M = 82° 56′ MN = 402.06
N = 90° 37′ NO = 488.34
O = 75° 50′ OL = 349.91
The direction of LM is an azimuth of North 0°.
a) Perform a check for angular closure.

110° 38′ + 82° 55′ + 90° 37′ + 75° 50′ = 360°01′

110° 38′ + 82° 54′ + 90° 37′ + 75° 50′ = 360° 00′
√

b) Compute the direction for all sides. (Azimuths)

c) Compute the latitudes and departures.

North South East West

Line Azimuth Distance Latitude Latitude Departur Departure
e

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LM 00° 00′ 470.52 470.52 ---

MN 97° 05′ 402.06 49.58 398.99
NO 186°28′ 488.34 485.23 55.00
OL 290°38′ 349.91 123.30 327.46
TOTAL 1710.830 593.82 534.81 398.99 382.46

Closure = 59.01 Closure = 16.53

d) Compute the linear error of closure and the precision ratio.

L.E.O.C. = 59 .01 2 +16 .53 2 = 61.28

1
Precision = L.E.O.C./1630.83 = (Terrible
28
Precision Again. Return to the field and
remeasure. For the sake of seeing how the
compass rule works, the given data is used in the
following adjustments.
e) Using the compass rule, compute the adjustments for latitudes and departures and apply the
adjustments.

North South East West

Line Distance Latitude Corr. Latitude Departure Corr. Departure
LM 470.52 470.52 -16.23 --- -4.55
MN 402.06 +13.87 49.58 398.99 -3.88
NO 488.34 +16.84 485.23 +4.72 55.00
OL 349.91 123.30 -12.07 +3.38 327.46
TOTAL 1710.830 593.82 534.81 398.99 382.46
Closure = 59.01 Closure = 16.53

Adjusted Latitudes & Departures

North South East West
Line Latitude Latitude Departure Departure
LM 454.29 4.55
MN 63.45 395.11
NO 502.07 59.72
OL 111.23 330.84

f) Assuming coordinates of North 1000 and East 1000 for point L, compute the coordinates of M, N, an
O.
Point Northing Easting
L 1000.00 1000.00
M 1454.29 995.45
N 1390.84 1390.56
O 888.77 1330.84

g) Using the computed coordinates, compute the area in acres enclosed by the traverse.
Area = 175,977 ft2
AREA = 4.04 acres
99. For the traverse shown, what is the distance and direction for each line? What is the area?
Solution needed

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100. For the traverse shown, what is the distance and direction for each line? What is the area?
Solution needed
101. For the closed traverse ABCD, answer the following questions.
Course Bearing Length Latitude Departure
AB S 77° 48′ E 76 14.8 74.3
BC S 68° 14′ W 135 50.1 125.4
CD N 10° 26′ W 42 41.3 7.6
DA N 53° 00′ W 50 30.1 39.9

a) What are the corrected departures?

See table below
b) What are the corrected latitudes?

North South East West

Line Azimuth Distance Latitude Corr. Latitude Departure Corr. Departure
AB 102° 12′ 76.00 +0.01 16.06 74.28 +0.01
BC 248° 14′ 135.00 +0.01 50.06 -0.01 125.37
CD 349°34′ 42.00 41.30 7.60
DA 67°03′ 63.71 24.84 58.67
TOTAL 316.71 66.14 66.12 132.95 132.97
Closure = 0.02 Closure = 0.02

Adjusted Latitudes & Departures

North South East West
Line Latitude Latitude Departure Departure
AB 16.07 74.29
BC 50.07 125.36
CD 41.30 7.60
DA 24.84 58.67

c) What is the error of closure?

L.E.O.C. = 2
.02 +.02
2 = 0.02828
d) What is the approximate precision?
1
Precision = L.E.O.C./316.71 =
11200

e) Assuming starting coordinates of North 1000 and E 1000 for point A, what are the coordinates of the
other traverse points?

Point Northing Easting

L 1000.00 1000.00
M 983.93 1074.29
N 933.86 948.93
O 975.16 941.33

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f) What is the area of Figure ABCD?

Area = 4173 ft2
AREA = .09580 acres
102. For the following coordinates, calculate the area using the coordinate method:
Point Northing Easting
A 1200 1400
B 1300 1100
C 1100 1200
D 1000 1000

Area = 25,000 ft2

AREA = 0.574 acres
103. For the adjusted latitudes and departures given below and with coordinates of Point A being North 1000
East 1000, calculate the coordinates of Point C:
Course Latitude Departure Point N E
A 1000 1000
AB S 350 E 160
B 650 1160
BC N 310 E 120
C 960 1280
CA N 40 W 280
A 1000 1000

Chapter 16 - Coordinates in Construction

104. Given the North and East coordinates of Point A (400, 100), and Point B (60, 470), what are the distance
and bearing from A to B?
Bearing = tan-1(340/370) = N 42° 35′ W
Distance = 370 2 + 340 2 = 502.5′

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The next two questions are based on the information in the following table. The athletic department has
decided to construct a tunnel from the basement of the new athletic building to the playing field in the
football stadium. The distance and direction of the tunnel is needed for design purposes. Given the
following traverse information, calculate the length and bearing for the tunnel from point basement to point
field:
Side Direction Distance N S E W
Field - #1 N 65° 20′ E 165.00 68.90 149.90
#1 - #2 S 75° 15′ E 110.90 28.00 106.40
#2 - Basement S 59° 15′ W 270.00 138.00 232.00
Basement - unknown unknown 97.10 24.30
Field

105. What is the bearing from basement to field?

Bearing = N 14° 03′ E
106. What will the length of the tunnel be?
Length = 100.09′

Use the illustration of

the building to
determine answers for
problems 107, 108,
and 109:

107. The coordinates for the building corners and interior columns.
Point Northing Easting
1 1000.00 1000.00
2 1043.30 1025.00
3 1086.60 1050.00
4 1129.90 1075.00
5 1173.20 1100.00
6 1148.20 1143.30
7 1123.20 1186.60
8 1098.20 1229.90
9 1054.90 1204.90
10 1079.90 1161.60
11 1036.60 1136.60
12 993.30 1111.60
13 968.30 1154.90
14 925.00 1129.90
15 950.00 1086.60
16 975.00 1043.30
17 1018.30 1068.30
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18 1061.60 1093.30
19 1104.90 1118.30
108. The coordinates of the control points.
Point Northing Easting
CP1 1533.01 1076.79
CP2 1233.01 1596.41
CP3 540.19 1196.41
CP4 840.19 676.79

109. The layout data (angle right and distance) to each of the building points if an instrument is set on CP4
and backsighted with 00° 00′ 00″ on CP1.
Instrument @ CP4
B.S. CP1 w/ 00° 00′ 00″
Point Angle Right Distance
1 33° 41′ 24″ 360.56
2 29° 44′ 42″ 403.11
3 26° 33′ 54″ 447.21
4 23° 57′ 45″ 492.44
5 21° 48′ 05″ 538.52
6 26° 33′ 54″ 559.02
7 30° 57′ 50″ 583.10
8 34° 59′ 31″ 610.33
9 37° 52′ 30″ 570.09
10 33° 41′ 24″ 540.83
11 36° 52′ 12″ 500.00
12 40° 36′ 05″ 460.98
13 45° 00′ 00″ 494.97
14 49° 23′ 55″ 460.98
15 45° 00′ 00″ 424.26
16 39° 48′ 20″ 390.51
17 35° 32′ 16″ 430.12
18 32° 00′ 19″ 471.70
19 29° 03′ 17″ 514.78

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Use the illustration for 110, 111, and 112:

the bridge to
determine answers for

110. The coordinates for the corners on the abutments and the pier.
Abutment 1
Point Northing Easting
1 11723.74 17274.53
2 11723.74 17282.53
3 11713.14 17293.14
4 11702.53 17303.74
5 11694.53 17303.74
6 11694.53 17300.74
7 11701.29 17300.74
8 11711.02 17291.01
9 11720.74 17281.29
10 11720.74 17274.53

Center Pier
Point Northing Easting
1 11777.84 17336.62
2 11756.62 17357.84
3 11754.50 17355.72
4 11775.72 17334.50
5 11766.17 17346.17

Abutment 2
Point Northing Easting
1 11837.81 17388.60
2 11837.81 17391.60
3 11831.05 17391.60
4 11821.32 17401.32
5 11811.60 17411.05
6 11811.60 17417.81
7 11808.60 17417.81
8 11808.60 17409.81
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9 11819.20 17399.20
10 11829.81 17388.60

111. The coordinates of the control points on centerline and the offset points A and B.
Point Northing Easting
STA.20+00 11600.00 17180.00
STA.23+50 11847.49 17427.49
A 11628.28 17151.72
B 11875.77 17399.20
112. The layout data (angle right and distance) to each of the bridge points if an instrument is set on Point A
and backsighted with 00° 00′ 00″ on Point B.
Instrument @ Point A
B.S. Point B w/ 00° 00′ 00″

Abutment 1
Point Angle Right Distance
1 7° 08′ 36″ 155.55
2 8° 52′ 50″ 161.94
3 14° 02′ 10″ 164.92
4 18° 58′ 13″ 169.19
5 21° 27′ 17″ 165.83
6 21° 02′ 01″ 163.09
7 18° 54′ 05″ 165.95
8 14° 17′ 37″ 162.01
9 9° 29′ 22″ 159.18
10 8° 01′ 34″ 153.73

Center Pier
Point Angle Right Distance
1 6° 02′ 03″ 237.82
2 13° 05′ 31″ 242.81
3 13° 15′ 15″ 239.89
4 6° 06′ 40″ 234.83
5 9° 39′ 36″ 238.38

Abutment 2
Point Angle Right Distance
1 3° 30′ 24″ 316.25
2 3° 51′ 51″ 318.50
3 4° 47′ 33″ 314.10
4 7° 16′ 58″ 315.54
5 9° 44′ 44″ 317.58
6 10° 26′ 13″ 323.12
7 10° 52′ 39″ 321.43
8 10° 03′ 38″ 314.84
9 7° 21′ 09″ 312.57
10 4° 36′ 38″ 311.01

Chapter 17 - Horizontal Curve

113. Calculate the missing curve parts in the following table.
Curve “I” Radius ° of Curve Tangent Length External Middle Long
# Ordinate Chord

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1 18° 54′ 357.25 16°02′ 17″ 59.46 117.84 4.91 4.85 117.31
2 10°51′ 22″ 2291.83 2° 30′ 217.78 434.25 10.32 10.28 433.60
3 51°16′ 55″ 250.00 22°55′ 06″ 120.00 223.76 27.31 24.62 216.36
4 200.00 350.00
5 2° 55′ 8857.65 0°38′ 49″ 225.50 450.90 2.87 2.87 450.85

114. Given PI @ 9+87, “I” angle = 32°14′ , R = 800; compute tangent (T), the length of arc (L), and compute
the stationing of the PC and PT.
T = R*tan(I/2) = 231.16
Da = 5729.58/R = 7.162° = 7° 09′ 43″
L = 100*I/Da = 450.06
PC = PI - T = 9+87.00 - 231.16 = 7+55.84
PT = PC + L = 7+55.84 +450.06 = 12+05.90
115. Given PI @ 12+73, “I” angle = 6° 19′ , Da = 7°, compute the stationing of the PC and PT.
R = 5729.58/Da = 818.51
T = R*tan(I/2) = 45.16
PC = PI - T = 1273 - 45.16 = 12+27.84
L = 100*I/Da = 90.24
PT = PC +L = 1227.83+90.24 = 1318.07
116. Given PI @ 15+55, “I” angle of 20°, R = 700, Compute the parts of the curve. T, L, LC, Da, E, MO,
Stationing of the PC and PT.

117. Given PI @ 55+24.776, “I” angle = 13° 54′ , and R = 400 feet, compute the deflection at every half-
station.
Solutions for parts of the curve:
T = 48.76 E = 2.96
L = 97.04 M.O. = 2.94
LC. = 96.80 PC = 54+76.02
Da = 14° 19’ 26” PT 55+73.056

Deflections
Station Arc Deflection Total Short Long
Length Increment Deflection Chord Chord
55+73.056 23.056 1° 39′ 04″ 6° 57′ 00″ 23.05 96.80
55+50 50 3°34′ 52″ 5° 17′ 56″ 49.97 73.88
55+00 23.984 1° 43′ 04″ 1° 43′ 04″ 23.98 23.98
54+76.016 0 0 0 0 0

118. Given PI @ 11+52.42, “I” angle = 25° 52′ 12″, R = 2978 feet, compute the defection at every 100′
station.
Parts of the curve:
• T = 683.97 • E = 77.54
• L = 1344.62 • MO = 75.57
• LC = 1333.22 • PC @ 108+45.454
• Da = 1°55′ 26″ • PT @ 121+90.074

Deflections, short chords, and Long chords:

Deflection Total Short Long
Station Arc Increment Total Arc Deflection Chord Chord
(ft) (ft) (ft) (ft)

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PT 121+90.074 90.074 0° 51′ 59″ 1354.546 12° 56′ 90.06 1333.17

04″
121+00 100 0° 57′ 43″ 1254.546 12° 04′ 99.99 1245.24
05″
120+00 100 0° 57′ 43″ 1154.546 11° 06′ 99.99 1147.28
22″
119+00 100 0° 57′ 43″ 1054.546 10° 08′ 99.99 1049.00
39″
118+00 100 0° 57′ 43″ 954.546 9° 10′ 56″ 99.99 950.43
117+00 100 0° 57′ 43″ 854.546 8° 13′ 13″ 99.99 851.58
116+00 100 0° 57′ 43″ 754.546 7° 15′ 30″ 99.99 752.50
115+00 100 0° 57′ 43″ 654.546 6° 17′ 47″ 99.99 653.20
114+00 100 0° 57′ 43″ 554.546 5° 20′ 04″ 99.99 553.72
113+00 100 0° 57′ 43″ 454.546 4° 22′ 21″ 99.99 454.09
112+00 100 0° 57′ 43″ 354.546 3° 24′ 38″ 99.99 354.32
111+00 100 0° 57′ 43″ 254.546 2° 26′ 55″ 99.99 254.46
110+00 100 0° 57′ 43″ 154.546 1° 29′ 12″ 99.99 154.52
109+00 54.546 0° 31′ 29″ 54.546 0° 31′ 29″ 54.54 54.54
PT 108+45.454 0 0 0 0 0 0
119. Given Da = 2.000 degrees, L = 432.62′ , and PC 11+43.42, find the remaining components of the curve.
I = 8° 39′ 09″ E = 8.18
R = 2864.79 MO = 8.16
T = 216.72 PI @ 13+60.14
LC = 432.21 PT @ 15+76.04

120. Two highway tangents intersect with a right defection I angle of 31° 15′ 00″ at PI sta. 22+22. A 3° 30′
00″ horizontal curve (Da) is to be used to connect the tangents. Compute R, T, L, E, LC, and MO for the
curve. Compute in tabular form the deflection angles to layout the curve at half stations. Compute the
short and long chords.
Parts of the curve:
R = 1637.02 E = 62.82
T = 457.83 LC = 881.83
L = 892.86 MO = 60.50
Deflection angles, short and long chords:
Station Deflection angle Short chord Long chord
PC 17+64.17 0 0 0
18+00 0° 37′ 37″ 35.83 35.83
18+50 1° 30′ 07″ 49.99 85.82
19+00 2° 22′ 39″ 49.99 135.79
19+50 3° 15′ 07″ 49.99 185.73
20+00 4° 07′ 37″ 49.99 235.63
20+50 5° 00′ 07″ 49.99 285.47
21+00 5° 52′ 37″ 49.99 335.24
21+50 6° 45′ 07″ 49.99 384.94
22+00 7° 37′ 37″ 49.99 434.54
22+50 8° 30′ 07″ 49.99 484.05
23+00 9° 22′ 37″ 49.99 533.44
23+50 10° 15′ 07″ 49.99 582.71
24+00 11° 07′ 37″ 49.99 631.84
24+50 12° 00′ 07″ 49.99 680.82
25+00 12° 52′ 37″ 49.99 729.65
25+50 13° 45′ 07″ 49.99 778.31
26+00 14° 37′ 37″ 49.99 826.78

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26+50 15° 30′ 07″ 49.99 875.06

PT 26+57.03 15° 37′ 30″ 7.03 881.83
121. If a simple circular curve has a length of curve 210′ , and the degree of curvature (Da) is known to be
21.000°, and the station of the PI is 125+79.62, what is the central angle of this curve?
L = 100 * (I/Da)
210 = 100 * (I/21)
I = 44.10000°
I = 44° 06′ 00″
122. Two parallel highways 3000′ apart are to be joined by a reverse curve made up of two circular curves of
equal radius. These curves are to have a (Da) of 3°. Determine all parts of these curves.
Da = 3° L = 2586.93
R = 2864.79 LC = 2393.65
I = 8° 39′ 09″ E = 540.89
T = 1535.78 MO = 421.52

Chapter 18 - Vertical Curves

123. Compute the gradient for each tangent of a pipeline profile and the elevation of each full station on the
tangents.
Point Station Curve Elevation
PVI - A 25+00 501.00
PVI - B 31+00 455.00
PVI - C 35+50 498.00
PVI - D 39+00 463.00
PVI - E 43+60 481.00

455 .00 − 501 .00

Gradient AB = = -7.667%
3100 − 2500
498 .00 − 455 .00
Gradient BC = = +9.556%
3550 − 3100
463 .00 − 498 .00
Gradient CD = = -10.000%
3900 − 3550
481 .00 − 463 .00
Gradient DE = = +3.913%
4360 − 3900

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Gradient Gradient
or Length Point Station Elevation
-7.667% PVI-1 25+00 501.00
26+00 493.33
27+00 485.67
28+00 478.00
29+00 470.33
30+00 462.67
9.556% PVI-2 31+00 455.00
32+00 464.56
33+00 474.11
34+00 483.67
35+00 493.22
-10.000% PVI-3 35+50 498.00
36+00 493.00
37+00 483.00
38+00 473.00
3.913% PVI-4 39+00 463.00
40+00 466.91
41+00 470.83
42+00 474.74
43+00 478.65
43+60 481.00
124. Determine the gradients between the points on the following highway profiles to three decimal places.
A. PI EL Gradient
20+50 501.00
-0.909%
22+70 499.00
+2.414%
25+60 506.00

B. PI EL Gradient
51+00 818.00
-20.000%
52+30 792.00
+6.786%
55+10 811.00
+4.210%
57+00 819.00

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125. Given the following information, calculate the vertical curve and provide curve elevations.
Point Station Elevation Length of Curve
PVI 10+00 611.32
PVI 14+00 609.11 500′
PVI 21+00 611.58 500′
PVI 27+00 604.10 700′
PVI 32+52.57 617.302

See the table on the following page for a

summary of the results of the computations.

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Gradient Gradient y Curve

or Length Point Station Elevation [y=r(x2)] Elevation
-0.553% PVI-0 10+00 611.32
10+50 611.04
11+00 610.77
500 BVC-1 11+50 610.49 0.0000 610.49
12+00 610.22 -0.0226 610.24
12+50 609.94 -0.0905 610.03
13+00 609.66 -0.2037 609.87
13+50 609.39 -0.3621 609.75
0.353% PVI-1 14+00 609.11 -0.5658 609.68
14+50 609.29 -0.3621 609.65
15+00 609.46 -0.2037 609.67
15+50 609.64 -0.0905 609.73
16+00 609.82 -0.0226 609.84
EVC-1 16+50 609.99 0.0000 609.99
17+00 610.17
17+50 610.35
18+00 610.52
500 BVC-2 18+50 610.70 0.0000 610.70
19+00 610.87 0.0400 610.83
19+50 611.05 0.1600 610.89
20+00 611.23 0.3599 610.87
20+50 611.40 0.6398 610.76
-1.247% PVI-2 21+00 611.58 0.9997 610.58
21+50 610.96 0.6398 610.32
22+00 610.33 0.3599 609.97
22+50 609.71 0.1600 609.55
23+00 609.09 0.0400 609.05
700EVC-2/BVC-3 23+50 608.46 0.0000 608.46
24+00 607.84 -0.0649 607.90
24+50 607.22 -0.2597 607.48
25+00 606.59 -0.5843 607.18
25+50 605.97 -1.0388 607.01
26+00 605.35 -1.6232 606.97
26+50 604.72 -2.3373 607.06
2.389% PVI-3 27+00 604.10 -3.1814 607.28
27+50 605.29 -2.3373 607.63
28+00 606.49 -1.6232 608.11
28+50 607.68 -1.0388 608.72
29+00 608.88 -0.5843 609.46
29+50 610.07 -0.2597 610.33
30+00 611.27 -0.0649 611.33
EVC-3 30+50 612.46 0.0000 612.46
31+00 613.66
31+50 614.85
32+00 616.05
32+50 617.24
PVI-4 32+52.57 617.302

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126. A +1.512% grade meets a -1.785% grade at station 31+50, elevation 562.00. Vertical curve = 700 feet.
Calculate all parts of the vertical curve at full stations.
Gradient Gradient y Curve
or Length Point Station Elevation [y=r(x2 )] Elevation
1.512% BVC 28+00 556.71 0.0000 556.71
29+00 558.22 0.2355 557.98
30+00 559.73 0.9420 558.79
31+00 561.24 2.1195 559.12
700 PVI 31+50 562.00 2.8849 559.12
32+00 561.11 2.1195 558.99
33+00 559.32 0.9420 558.38
34+00 557.54 0.2355 557.30
-1.785% EVC 35+00 555.75 0.0000 555.75
127. A -2.148% grade meets a +2.485% grade at station 21+50, elevation 435.00. Vertical curve = 800 feet.
Calculate all parts of the vertical curve at half station intervals.
Gradient Gradient y Curve
or Length Point Station Elevation [y=r(x2 )] Elevation
-2.148% BVC 17+50 443.59 0.0000 443.59
18+00 442.52 -0.0724 442.59
18+50 441.44 -0.2896 441.73
19+00 440.37 -0.6515 441.02
19+50 439.30 -1.1583 440.45
20+00 438.22 -1.8098 440.03
20+50 437.15 -2.6061 439.75
21+00 436.07 -3.5471 439.62
800 PVI 21+50 435.00 -4.6330 439.63
22+00 436.24 -3.5471 439.79
22+50 437.49 -2.6061 440.09
23+00 438.73 -1.8098 440.54
23+50 439.97 -1.1583 441.13
24+00 441.21 -0.6515 441.86
24+50 442.46 -0.2896 442.74
25+00 443.70 -0.0724 443.77
2.485% EVC 25+50 444.94 0.0000 444.94
128. A grade of -3.3% intersects a grade of -1.412% at station 70+00 whose elevation 512.85 feet and the
distance back to the BVC is 500 feet and the distance to the EVC is 550 feet. Compute the elevations of
the full stations on this unequal tangent vertical curve.
See the table on the following page.

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Gradient Gradient y Curve

or Length Point Station Elevation [y=r(x2 )] Elevation
2.512% BVC 15+50 417.69 0.0000 417.69
16+00 418.95 0.0867 418.86
17+00 421.46 0.7800 420.68
18+00 423.97 2.1667 421.81
600 PVI 18+50 425.23 3.1200 422.11
19+00 424.41 2.1667 422.24
20+00 422.76 0.7800 421.98
21+00 421.11 0.0867 421.02
-1.648% EVC 21+50 420.29 0.0000 420.29
129. Given that L = 400 feet, g1 = -2.3%, g2 = +1.6%, PVI at 30+20, and elevation = 425.23, determine the
location and elevation of the low point and elevations on the curve at even stations.
Gradient Gradient y Curve
or Length Point Station Elevation [y=r(x2 )] Elevation
-2.300% BVC 28+20 429.83 0.0000 429.83
29+00 427.99 -0.3120 428.30
30+00 425.69 -1.5795 427.27
400 PVI 30+20 425.23 -1.9500 427.18
Low point 30+56 425.80 -1.3128 427.12
31+00 426.51 -0.7020 427.21
32+00 428.11 -0.0195 428.13
1.600% EVC 32+20 428.43 0.0000 428.43
130. Given the following vertical curve data: PVI at 21+00, L = 700 feet, g1 = +1.6%, g2 = -1.0%, elevation
of PVI = 722.12 feet, compute the elevations of the curve summit, and of even full stations.

Gradient Gradient y Curve

2
or Length Point Station Elevation [y=r(x )] Elevation
1.600% BVC 17+50 419.63 0.0000 419.63
18+00 420.43 0.0464 420.38
19+00 422.03 0.4179 421.61
20+00 423.63 1.1607 422.47
700 PVI 21+00 425.23 2.2750 422.96
High point 21+81 424.42 1.3462 423.08
22+00 424.23 1.1607 423.07
23+00 423.23 0.4179 422.81
24+00 422.23 0.0464 422.18
-1.000% EVC 24+50 421.73 0.0000 421.73
131. Sketch a vertical curve and label all of its parts.
Reference page 18-12.

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132. A +2.512% grade meets a -1.648% grade at station 18+50, elevation 445.00. Vertical curve = 600 feet.
Calculate all parts of the vertical curve at full stations.
Gradient Gradient y Curve
or Length Point Station Elevation [y=r(x2 )] Elevation
2.512% BVC 15+50 417.69 0.0000 417.69
16+00 418.95 0.0867 418.86
17+00 421.46 0.7800 420.68
18+00 423.97 2.1667 421.81
600 PVI 18+50 425.23 3.1200 422.11
19+00 424.41 2.1667 422.24
High point 19+12 424.20 1.9586 422.24
20+00 422.76 0.7800 421.98
21+00 421.11 0.0867 421.02
-1.648% EVC 21+50 420.29 0.0000 420.29
133. A -3.667% grade meets a +1.732% grade at station 45+00, elevation 312.00. Vertical curve = 700 feet.
Calculate all parts of the vertical curve at half stations. Calculate the station and elevation of the low
point of the curve.
Gradient Gradient y Curve
or Length Point Station Elevation [y=r(x2 )] Elevation
-3.667% BVC 41+50 324.83 0.0000 324.83
42+00 323.00 -0.0964 323.10
43+00 319.33 -0.8677 320.20
44+00 315.67 -2.4103 318.08
700 PVI 45+00 312.00 -4.7241 316.72
46+00 313.73 -2.4103 316.14
Low point 46+25 314.17 -1.9447 316.12
47+00 315.46 -0.8677 316.33
48+00 317.20 -0.0964 317.29
1.732% EVC 48+50 318.06 0.0000 318.06
134. A -1.153% grade meets a -2.432% grade at station 12+00, elevation 452.00. Vertical curve = 500 feet.
Calculate all parts of the vertical curve at full stations. What are the station and elevation of the summit
of the curve?
Gradient Gradient y Curve
or Length Point Station Elevation [y=r(x2 )] Elevation
-1.153% BVC 9+50 314.88 0.0000 314.88
High point 4+99 320.08 2.5985 317.48
10+00 314.31 0.0320 314.27
11+00 313.15 0.2878 312.87
500 PVI 12+00 312.00 0.7994 311.20
13+00 309.57 0.2878 309.28
14+00 307.14 0.0320 307.10
-2.432% EVC 14+50 305.92 0.0000 305.92

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135. A +5.32% grade meets a -1.432% grade at station 63+00, elevation 345.00. Vertical curve = 900 feet.
Calculate all parts of the vertical curve at full stations. Calculate the high point station and elevation.
Gradient Gradient y Curve
or Length Point Station Elevation [y=r(x2 )] Elevation
5.230% BVC 58+50 321.47 0.0000 321.47
59+00 324.08 0.0925 323.99
60+00 329.31 0.8328 328.48
61+00 334.54 2.3132 332.23
62+00 339.77 4.5339 335.24
900 PVI 63+00 345.00 7.4948 337.51
64+00 343.57 4.5339 339.03
65+00 342.14 2.3132 339.82
High point 65+57 341.33 1.3851 339.94
66+00 340.70 0.8328 339.87
67+00 339.27 0.0925 339.18
-1.432% EVC 67+50 338.56 0.0000 338.56

Chapter 19 - Excavations
136. For the road area shown, calculate the volume that was excavated between 32+00 and 35+00.
① STA. 32+00 AREA = 332.5 ft2
STA. 32+21 AREA = 303.7 ft2
 21  332 .5 +303 .7 
Volume =  *   =
 27   2 
247.411 CY
79  303 .7 +357 .1
② Volume =  *   =
 27   2 
966.726 CY
100  357 .1+457 .0 
③ Volume =  *   =
 27   2 
1507.593 CY
100   457 .0 +357 .0 
④ Volume =  *   =
 27   2 
1507.407 CY
TOTAL VOLUME FROM 32+00 TO 35+00 =
4229.137 CY
137. If station 22+00 has an end area of 245 square feet and station 23+00 has an end area of 334 square feet,
what is the volume between the stations in cubic yards?

(245 + 334 )ft2 CY

Volume = (100ft)* * = 1072 CY
2 27CF
138.

Chapter 20 - Distance Meas. Applications

138. You have been assigned to pace a length across an open field. Along a given 600 feet distance, you pace
165, 164, 162, and 166 paces, respectively. Upon determining you pace length, you pace 205, 208, 206,
208, 206, and 207 paces, in walking an unknown distance AB. What is the length of AB?

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Construction Surveying and Layout, 2nd Ed.

① @600 ft.
# Paces 165 164 162 166
Distance/pace 3.64 3.66 3.70 3.61
Average distance/foot = 3.65ft/pace = Pace length
② Unknown distance AB = Average # paces for AB * Pace length
Average # of paces = (205 + 208 + 206 + 208 + 206 + 207)/6 = 207.17
Distance AB = 207.17*3.65 = 756.2 ft.
140. Pick any survey point and reference it to four points. Prepare field notes for this activity.

Chapter 21 - Angles and Direction Applications

141. List two instances where bucking in on-line would be needed by the field engineer.
Building floor lines, on top of hill.
142. List five construction layout activities that require “double centering.”
Prolonging line, any building points.

Chapter 22 - Leveling Applications

143. Typically, rod readings taken during the process of profile leveling, or cross-sectioning, need to be read
to the nearest_______.
tenth
144. Complete the accompanying set of profile leveling notes and perform an arithmetic check for the
following problem. Plot the profile.
Point BS HI IS FS Elevation
BM 67 10.33 214.89 204.56
TP 1 9.55 220.55 3.89 211.00
TP2 7.63 225.08 3.10 217.45
0+00 2.60 222.48
0+50 2.50 222.58
1+00 0.20 222.88
TP 3 5.98 228.21 2.85 224.88
1+50 1.50 222.23
2+00 1.42 226.79
2+50 0.04 228.17
BM 68 2.47 225.74

Arithmetic Check:
Starting elevation + ΣBS - ΣFS = Ending elevation
204.56 + 33.49 - 12.31 = 225.74
145. Complete the accompanying set of profile leveling notes and perform the arithmetic check for the
following problem. Plot the profile.
Point BS HI IS FS Elevation
BM 101 10.65 218.97 208.32
TP 1 9.47 224.12 4.32 214.65
TP 2 7.36 227.63 3.85 220.27
0+00 2.50 225.13
0+50 2.10 225.53
1+00 0.50 227.13
1+50 1.60 226.03
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TP 3 5.40 230.18 2.85 224.78

2+00 1.30 228.88
2+14.23 1.72 228.46
2+50 0.90 229.28
BM 102 2.54 227.64

Arithmetic Check
Starting elevation + ΣBS - ΣFS = Ending elevation
208.32 + 32.88 - 13.56 = 227.64
146. Complete the accompanying set of cross section leveling notes and perform the arithmetic check for the
following problem.
Point BS HI IS FS Elevation
BM 21 4.25 575.93 571.68
TP3 6.22 575.48 6.67 569.26
6+00
50 FT LEFT 3.10 572.38
25 FT LEFT 3.50 571.98
10 FT LEFT 3.20 572.28
CL 2.90 572.58
10 FT RIGHT 2.91 572.57
25 FT RIGHT 2.70 572.78
50 FT RIGHT 2.40 573.08
TP4 6.23 576.30 5.41 570.07
BM 22 7.11 569.19

Arithmetic Check:
Starting elevation + ΣBS - ΣFS = Ending elevation
571.68 + 16.7 - 19.19 = 569.19

147. Complete the following borrow pit leveling notes. The borrow pit grid is 50′ . Plot the grid and the
points and draw 1′ contours.
Point BS HI IS FS Elevation
BM 45 4.56 624.56 620.00
A-1 5.70 618.86
A-2 7.30 617.26
A-3 9.50 615.06
A-4 8.20 616.36
B-1 4.30 620.26
B-2 8.00 616.56
B-3 8.10 616.46
B-4 7.50 617.06
C-1 2.70 621.86
C-2 7.50 617.06
C-3 7.40 617.16
C-4 5.70 618.86
D-1 1.10 623.46
D-2 7.30 617.26
D-3 6.30 618.26
D-4 4.00 620.56
BM 45 4.56 620.00

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Construction Surveying and Layout, 2nd Ed.

Chapter 23 - Construction Layout

148. Develop a layout plan for a “T” shaped house. Use random dimensions.
Recommend drawing on 8 1/2 by 11
149. Develop a layout plan for a Strip Mall that is 1000′ by 70′ .
Recommend drawing on 8 1/2 by 11
150. Develop a layout plan for the layout of 10 small (30′ by 30′ or smaller) buildings on the same site.
Recommend drawing on 8 1/2 by 11
151. If the dimensions of a building are 57′ 4 3/4″ by 34′ 7 1/2″, what is the length of the diagonal?
Diagonal =
(57 '− 4.7 5 " )2 + 4 '−
(3 7.5" ) 2 =
70.83′ = 70′ -9 7/8″
152. A building has sides of 40′ and 78′ . What is the diagonal?
Diagonal = 40 2 + 78 2 = 87.66′ = 87′ -7 7/8″
153. Determine the minimum amount of lumber needed to build “portable” batterboards.
7 - 2x4 x 4’
5 - 2x4 x 3’
2 - 2x4 x 5′

Chapter 24 - Building Control and Layout

154. Distinguish between primary, secondary, and working control.
Reference page 24-9
155. Outline the process involved in establishing primary control on a building site.
Reference page 24-5.
156. Using any available set of plans, develop the location of primary control and secondary control.
Recommend using a set of plans for a small
commercial building.
157. List ten construction activities in laying out a manufacturing plant that would need working control.
Field layout of: anchor bolts, interior walls,
equipment pads, stairways, doors, hallways,
closets, . . .

Chapter 25 - One Person Surveying Techniques

158. Develop a system for a field engineer working alone to measure the dimensions of a 40′ by 50′ building
to lay out the corners.
See Chapter 25
159. Develop a procedure for a field engineer working alone to set and mark elevations on the inside of wall
forms.
See Chapter 25

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