Introduction

Measurement of settlement or subsidence of a structure is always required during the construction

period in order to precisely record the actual subsidence that has taken place. There are many ways and
methods used to undertake this task; widely used method is Precise leveling technique. This
technique consists of repeated measurements of the elevations of selected points against a rigid and
stable benchmark using specialized level equipment that is capable of reading to 1/100
th
of a millimeter
mounted on a rigid tripod and special set of staff made of invar material.
The Project
Saudi Bin Ladin is constructing a multistory tower building called CMA Tower in Riyadh. This building
has to be monitored for any settlement during the course of construction. For this settlement
monitoring a third party independent check is required to ensure that the construction load is not
making any settlement beyond the tolerance. RGF being one of the biggest surveying company and
having vast experience in similar activities; was contacted by Saudi Bin Ladin to propose a settlement
monitoring methodology and price for the third party quality assurance.
Procedures
The methodology to undertake this precise job will be as follows:
Selection of location for deep seated benchmarks
At least two (2) permanent deep-seated benchmarks would be required to base the settlement
monitoring activity. A very important factor in this regard is to select the location of these deep seated
benchmarks. The location should be at a secure place, away from the building load effect area. These
two benchmarks should be placed within 500 meters distance from each other. The deep-seated
benchmark will be constructed as shown in attached figure.
Selection of location of temporary benchmarks
A set of temporary benchmarks near and outside the tower building would be required to carry out the
survey. These temporary benchmarks will be used to survey the monitoring points located inside the
tower. These benchmarks would be concrete monuments but would be called temporary benchmarks
because due to their location inside the load effected area and these would be suspected to heave or
settle. These benchmarks would be assigned new elevations after every closed circuit leveling.
Reading Station Marks
Because of the precision of the job, the procedures recommended by the manufacturer strictly have to
be adhered. While reading, it is required that back sight and fore sight distances are to be kept equal. In
order to comply this, the instrument stations will be marked at equidistance. These stations will be paint
marks only.

The survey
The survey procedures:
Connection with Riyadh Grid and Datum
The deep-seated benchmarks will be connected to Riyadh Grid and datum by running a closed level
circuit commencing from a Riyadh Municipality control point and closing on the same running through
both deep-seated benchmarks. Connection with Riyadh Municipality control network will be performed
only one time at the start of the project.
Checking between deep seated points
Each time the periodic monitoring is to be performed, a closed leveling circuit should be run between
two deep-seated benchmarks. This is to confirm that none of the benchmark has moved.
Leveling the temporary benchmarks
The temporary benchmarks will be assigned new elevation every time the monitoring is done. These will
serve as points to base the survey of monitoring Points
Survey of Monitoring Points
The leveling will start from temporary benchmarks and will check the levels of all monitoring points
installed inside the building and raft foundation.
Report
After the data computations, levels will be reduced and compared with the previous reading. A report
will be prepared showing the new readings and a comparison with previous one.
Equipment
The equipment for this project required is as follows:
Precise leveling equipment
Rigid tripod
Pair of invar staffs 3 meter long
Pair of Stratus
Team
One Surveyor
Two Helpers
4WD vehicle