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Engineering Surveying Techniques and EDM

This document contains 25 lead questions for the subject Engineering Surveying. The questions cover topics such as setting out construction projects, distance measurement using electro-optical distance measurement (EDM) instruments, calculations done by total stations, curve setting out, transition curves, vertical curves, and design factors. Questions involve explaining concepts, performing calculations, deriving formulas, and discussing surveying approaches and instrument error sources.

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151 views3 pages

Engineering Surveying Techniques and EDM

This document contains 25 lead questions for the subject Engineering Surveying. The questions cover topics such as setting out construction projects, distance measurement using electro-optical distance measurement (EDM) instruments, calculations done by total stations, curve setting out, transition curves, vertical curves, and design factors. Questions involve explaining concepts, performing calculations, deriving formulas, and discussing surveying approaches and instrument error sources.

Uploaded by

javo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

FGE 431: ENGINEERING SURVEYING A

LEAD QUESTIONS 2020/2021

1. Briefly discuss the survey approaches required in the setting out and construction of
the following:
i. Housing estate
ii. Highways
iii. Railways
iv. Sewer
v. Tunnels
vi. Bridges
vii. Dams

2. Using a well-labeled diagram explain the basic principles involved in distance


measurement with EDM.

3. Starting from first principles and using the usual notations, show that the distance D
from EDM is given as D=Nλ+ ɸ . λ
2 2 2

4. Differentiate between Passive and Active EDMs.

5. For each of the instrument error sources associated with EDM measurements
explain:
i. The major cause.
ii. Relative order of magnitude.
iii. Calibration procedures.
iv. Minimization or elimination measures/procedures.

6. Compare and contrast Total Stations and Modular (Mounted) EDMs.

7. Explain, with diagrams where necessary, the calculations done by the Total Station
Microprocessor using onboard software.

8. The standard errors of a single measurement of length by an instrument are


given+1.5mm and+3mm/km.
i. Comment on the contributory errors leading to the above values.
ii. What is the standard error of a measurement of 30.5 kilometer
length?

9. Give the common applications of EDMs.

10. The ground distances of two segments AB and BC of a baseline are 606.458m and
661.935m respectively. Their measured distances with an EDM instrument are
606.612 and 662.075m and total distance AC is 1268.545m. Calculate the zero error.
1
11. The following distance combinations were measured using a certain electro-optical
instrument.
Line Length (m) Line Length(m)
AB 191.733 BG 313.466
AC 222.247 CG 282.953
AD 252.740 DG 252.461
AE 283.262 EG 221.940
AF 313.673 FG 191.526

ABCDEFG are collinear and AG was measured as [Link] the additive


constant.

12. a) Discuss the three offsetting methods used in the setting out of small radius
curves using linear measuring devices only, under the following headings:
i. Nature of the baseline used.
ii. Derive the basic formula for the offset.
iii. Field procedure deployed.
iv. Illustrative diagram.

13. Prepare data for setting out road kerb line if the radius of the small curve is 15m and
̂ T2is 900 with offset required at 2m intervals. Use the long chord and the
the angle T1O
tangent as the baselines.

14. When projected, the centerline of two straights meet at I with a deflection angle of
500 00’ 00”. The straights are to be connected by a circular curve of radius 300m.
Tabulate all the setting out data using Ranskine’s method assuming 10m chords on a
through chainage basis. The chainage at I is given as 2189.892m.

15. The following data were also given,


Coordinates of I= 10,000N; 10,000E
Bearing I T1=2100 00’ 00”
Generate the coordinates of the curve points of the above curve at 30m intervals.

16. What are compound and Reverse curves and when are they used.

17. In the context of Transition curves explain the following terms.


i. Clothoid curve
ii. Super elevation
iii. Minimum safe radius
iv. The shift
v. Composite curve
vi. Wholly transition
vii. Shortt’s factor

2
18. Mention the roles of a transition curve and the requirements in the design of
transition curves.

19. Explain the two methods, in each case, used in determining the length and minimum
safe radius of a transition curve.

20. The deflection angle between two straights is measured as 14 0 28’ 26”. The straights
are to be joined by a composite curve. The design speed of the road is 85km/hr and
the radius of the circular curve is 600m. If the through chainage of the intersection
point is 5461.34m, draw up the setting out table of the three curves at exact 20m
multiples of through chainage using the tangential angle method. The rate of change
of radial acceleration should be taken as 0.3m/s 3.

21. What is the purpose of a vertical curve? Give also the basic attributes of a vertical
curve.

22. Summarize the major assumptions/approximations used to simplify vertical curve


computations.

23. Explain the design factors in vertical curves.

24. Upon which factors does the stopping distance depend?

25. The reduced level at the intersection of a rising gradient of 1.5 per cent and a falling
gradient of 1.0 per cent on a proposed road is 93.60m AOD. Given that the k-values
for this particular road is 55, the through chainage of the intersection point is
671.34m and the vertical curve is to have equal tangent lengths, calculate:

i. The through chainages of the tangent points of the vertical curve if the
minimum required length is to be used.

ii. The reduced levels of the tangent points and the reduced levels at exact 20m
multiples of through chainage along the curve.

iii. The position and level of the highest point on the curve.

______________________________________________END_____________________________________________________

Common questions

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The Total Station's microprocessor automates complex calculations such as integrating distances and angles to produce coordinates, reducing manual computation errors. The onboard software can preprocess data for real-time analysis, optimizing field operations by allowing real-time decision-making and immediate verification of measurements .

K-values represent the horizontal distance required to change the vertical acceleration by one unit (m/s²), directly influencing the vertical curve's length and curvature. Higher k-values create more gradual curves that improve vehicle safety by reducing abrupt elevation changes and maintaining smooth vehicular motion, crucial for road safety and comfort .

Calibration aligns EDM instruments with known standards to minimize error sources like temperature and instrument constants. Procedures involve using a baseline of known distance, periodically measuring it to detect deviations and adjusting instrument settings to correct discrepancies. This maintains measurement precision and reliability .

Passive Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) systems rely on reflecting natural signals from targets, typically using reflective prisms, whereas Active EDMs generate their own signal, usually laser-based, and do not require a prism to reflect the signal back. This difference affects their use; Passive EDMs are useful in clear conditions and for long distances, while Active EDMs perform well even through partially obstructed paths or in low visibility conditions, making them versatile in different surveying environments .

Vertical curve design impacts road safety by ensuring sight distance adequacy, comfortable vehicle acceleration and deceleration, and drainage efficiency. Proper design accommodates vehicle dynamics, preventing visibility obstructions and erratic speed changes that can lead to accidents. It enhances vehicle performance by offering smooth elevation transitions and maintaining constant speeds .

EDM instruments' standard error comprises a fixed part (+1.5mm) and a variable part dependent on the distance (+3mm/km). For a 30.5 km measurement, the standard error calculation is: square root of (1.5^2 + (3 * 30.5)^2) = 91.63 mm. This reflects both constant and distance-proportional errors influencing precision .

EDMs are widely used in civil engineering for tasks such as setting out construction sites, calibrating long structures like bridges and tunnels, and accurately defining property boundaries. Their precision in distance measurement ensures structural elements are placed correctly, supporting project accuracy and compliance with design specifications .

The tangential angle method requires precise determination of curve radius, deflection angles, and setting points using the chainage reference. Key factors include ensuring accurate baseline establishment, calculating appropriate tangential angles to guide curve layout, and verifying calculations in-field to control for topographical variances. Consistency in these factors ensures accurate and efficient highway curve setting out .

Transition curves smoothly connect straight and curved sections of roads, ensuring safe and comfortable vehicular movement by gradually increasing curvature, reducing the risk of sharp turns. Essential criteria for design include ensuring adequate change in radial acceleration, safe vehicle speed adherence, and compatibility with land use. These curves mitigate vehicle instability during transitions and enhance overall road safety .

Total Stations integrate electronic distance measurement and angles, providing high accuracy in data collection. Their onboard microprocessors enable direct calculations like coordinate determination, minimizing human errors associated with manual calculations. This reduces field time and improves data reliability compared to traditional methods, enhancing surveying efficiency .

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