Section - 12B: Measuring

field pipe

Category: Section 12 - Field Issues

Written by LeeSmith

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To add or modify piping that is in the field, we need to verify what we

are working with first.
Before going to the field, gather all existing drawings, photos, and
flow sheets of the area you are working on.
This might help out develop sketches in advance to verify in the field.

Field Tools
Tools that I use for field work are:

Small tape measure. At least 35' and 1" to 1 1/4" wide tap
Large tape measure. Either 100' or 300'.
Folding carpenter ruler
Several rolls of colored twine
Line level.
Plumb bob
Magnets. I use the round type with a hook an affixed to it.
Torpedo level
Small adjustable square
Compass
Marking crayons or some type of marking pen
Camera
Whiteboard.
Sketch pads with clipboard and rubber bands or large clips

Getting Started
When you get to the site, take a moment to get orientated with the
location. Do the follow:

1. Check north-south orientation, look for bench marks to

establish elevation and coordinates.

2. Look over the drawings you brought to see how close the
drawings are to what is actually on site.

3. Review the flow sheets to see if the unit or equipment are in

process order and instrumentation is places correctly.

4. Determine where you need to concentration your as-build

attention.

Ready to start sketching, set up your sketch.

At the top of the page, write down the client, location, date, your
initials, and page number. You can write in project numbers and other
identify information later.

Place an orientation arrow, north arrow, relative to where is will relate

to you sketch.

Sketch out the piping, make sure that you capture all the fittings,
valves, drains and vents, spectacle blinds or restriction orifices
between flanged, etc. that will be in the sketch.

Locate all supports, pipe shoes, dummy legs, base supports, etc..
Sketch any close structures, equipment, or objects that might help
you locate the piping you sketched to the existing site plans.

Dimensioning
For dimensioning, I like to use several methods.

1. If I have a line of fittings and valves, I usually verify that they

are true to fitting dimensions and if they are, I write down "FM"
(for fitting makeup) on the sketch. Remember to check the raise
face on the flanged and the gasket thickness.

2. If you have piping with pup, or straight piping on it, there are
two ways to dimension. One is to measure the pup from weld to
weld, and add in the fittings later. Second, you can measure from
fitting to fitting centerline by estimating the center of the pipe or
fitting on each end.

Elevations
For finding elevations:

1. Measure from the top of concrete (TOC) to centerline of pipe to

top of support (TOSPT) if there is insulation shoe under the pipe,
make sure to note it.

2. If piping is offset from concrete or structures, slip a length of

twine to the bottom of the pipe and stretch over to the nearest
concrete or structure. Level the line with a line level will raising or
lowering the twine against your tape measure..
3. For finding elevation of piping overhead on supports, one way is
to stretch your small tape up the side of a support till you can hook
to the TOS. Now you can either stretch the tape out so you can
bend it at TOC to see your elevation, or, you can premarked a line
on the column and measure to it.
See also Section - 12C: Finding odd angles in the field
 About the Author

Lee Smith is the Owner/Operator of Smith Design,

CADWorx and AutoCAD experienced,

Training