ROAD SURVEY

Contents
0. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 1
I. RECONNAISSANCE SURVEY ................................................................................................................ 2
I.1. PREPARATION ............................................................................................................................... 2
I.2. DESIGN .......................................................................................................................................... 3
I.3. COLLECTION OF DATA ................................................................................................................... 3
I.4. USE OF MAPS ................................................................................................................................ 4
II. PRELIMINARY SURVEY......................................................................................................................... 5
II.1. PREPARATION .............................................................................................................................. 5
II.2. SURVEY ......................................................................................................................................... 5
II.2.1. TRAVERSE .............................................................................................................................. 5
II.2.2. LEVELLING ............................................................................................................................. 5
II.2.3. TOPOGRAPHIC DATA COLLECTION ....................................................................................... 5
III. FINAL LOCATION SURVEY ................................................................................................................... 6
III.1. PREPARATION ............................................................................................................................. 6
III.2. RUNNING THE CENTERLINE ........................................................................................................ 6
III.3. REFERENCE STAKES OR REFERENCE STATIONS ........................................................................... 7
III.4. PROFILE AND CROSS SECTIONS................................................................................................... 7
IV. CONSTRUCTION LAYOUT ................................................................................................................... 8
IV.1. PREPARATION ............................................................................................................................. 8
IV.2. ALIGNMENT ................................................................................................................................ 8
IV.3. SETTING GRADE STAKES ............................................................................................................. 9
IV.4. PAVEMENT CONSTRUCTION ..................................................................................................... 10
V. ROAD DRAINAGE............................................................................................................................... 13
VI. SOME IMPORTANT SURVEY INSTRUMENTS AND ACCESSORIES EQUIPMENT USED BY A SURVEYOR
IN THE ROAD DESIGN ............................................................................................................................ 14
VII. CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................... 18
VIII. REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................... 19

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0. INTRODUCTION

Surveying as a profession is very large and divers, in the actual construction field a
professional Surveyor has a huge role to play.
Surveying applications and techniques are highly important in the Built environment sector,
Mining, Hydrology, etc.
The present document will be focused on the role and participation of a Surveyor in a Road
construction project:
From the Reconnaissance survey step where the Surveyor collect the necessary information
and description of the site to be survey.
Following by the Preliminary Survey which is the detail studies of the road to be surveyed,
mostly topographic studies.
Then the following step will be the Final location which is a series of studies based on the
preparation of the Map using data collected during the Preliminary Survey.

And finally, the Construction Layout where the Surveyor provides the neat alignments,
grades which guide the Construction operations.

Some of the most used instruments and accessories in the Road construction will be
discussed.

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I. RECONNAISSANCE SURVEY

I.1. PREPARATION

The reconnaissance survey is an extensive study of an entire area that might be used for a
road or airfield. Its purpose is to eliminate those sites which are impractical and to identify
the more promising for a successful survey.
Existing maps and aerial photographs may be of great help. Contour maps show the terrain
features and the relief of an area.
The reconnaissance survey report should summarize all the collected information of the
sites, including a description of the sites to be surveyed, a conclusion on the economy of its
use, the position of the sites, appropriate maps and aerial photographs

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I.2. DESIGN

Design characteristics should be considered during the reconnaissance survey. The sites
surveyor must keep in mind that future operations may require an expanded road net, so a
good study of the route plans and specifications is necessary. In the design study, the
Surveyor will have to pay attention to some majors guiding rules in Road design like:
Locate portions of the new road along or over existing roads, railroads, or
trails, whenever possible.
Locate the road on a soil that is stable and easily drained, avoiding swamps,
marshes, and organic soil.
Locate the road along ridges and streamlines, keeping drainage structures to a
minimum. Keep the grade well above the high waterline when following a
stream.
Select a route as near to sources of material as practical, and locate the road
along contour lines to avoid unnecessary earth work.
Locate the road on the sunny side of hills and canyons.
Select locations which conserve engineer assets, avoiding rockwork and
excessive clearing.
Avoid sharp curves and locations which involve bridging.

I.3. COLLECTION OF DATA

Here the surveyor uses the collected data to provide a basis of study showing the
advantages of the selected area of the site, including disadvantages if there are any, the
effects of landslides, Soil conditions, availability of local materials, transportation facilities.
Photographs or sketches of reference points, control points, structure sites, terrain
obstacles, and any unusual conditions.

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I.4. USE OF MAPS

One of the main importance of the Reconnaissance is the elaboration of the Map
Planimetric or Topographic of the Area to be surveyed. The surveyor should locate and use
all existing maps, including up-to-date aerial photographs of the area. Large scale
topographic maps are desirable because they show the terrain in the greatest detail. The
maps, with overlays, serve as worksheets for plotting trial alignments and approximate
grades and distances.
The surveyor begins a map study by marking the limiting boundaries and specified terminals
directly on the map. Between boundaries and specified terminals, the surveyor observes the
existing routes, ridge lines, water courses, mountain gaps, and similar control features. The
surveyor must also look for terrain which will allow moderate grades, simplicity of
alignment, and a balance between cut and fill.
After closer inspection, the routes that appear to fit the situation are classified.
Typical data collected in a reconnaissance survey are Sketches of all the features (Natural
and Man-made) surrounding the area to be surveyed.

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II. PRELIMINARY SURVEY

II.1. PREPARATION

The preliminary survey is a detail study of a road selected on the basis of reconnaissance
survey information and recommendations. It runs a Traverse along a proposed Road,
establishes levels, records topography, and plots results. It also determines the final location
from this plot or preliminary map. The size and scope of the project will determine the
nature and depth of the preliminary survey for most construction.

II.2. SURVEY

The surveyor establishes a traverse with control and reference points, sometimes it expands
to include levelling and topographic detail.
Normally, obtaining the traverse, levelling, and topographic data are separate survey, which
the Surveyor proceed as follow:

II.2.1. TRAVERSE

The Surveyor establishes the traverse line along the proposed Road by setting and
referencing control points, measuring distances, numbering stations, and establishing points
of intersection. He (She) also makes the necessary ties to an existing control, if available or
required. When no control is available, the Surveyor may assign a starting value for control
purposes which can later be tied to a control point established by geodetic surveyors.

II.2.2. LEVELLING

In the levelling process, the Surveyor establishes benchmarks and determines the elevation
of selected points along the road to provide control for future surveys, such as the
preparation of a topographic map or profile and cross-section levelling. The Surveyor takes
rod readings and records elevations to the nearest 0.001 meter. It sets the benchmarks in a
place well out of the area of construction and marks them in such a way that they will
remain in place throughout the whole project.
If there is no established vertical control point available, establish an arbitrary elevation that
may be tied to a vertical control point later.

II.2.3. TOPOGRAPHIC DATA COLLECTION

The Surveyor secures enough relief and planimetric detail within the prescribed area to
locate any obstacles and allow preparation of rough profiles and cross sections.

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III. FINAL LOCATION SURVEY

III.1. PREPARATION

The final location survey is series of studies consisting of the preparation of a map from
preliminary survey data, projection of alignment and profile, and preliminary estimates of
quantities and costs are made and used as guidance for the final location phase. The
surveyor should not make any changes without consulting the Engineers and designer in
charge of the project.

III.2. RUNNING THE CENTERLINE

The surveyor numbers the stations consecutively and sets them at usually 20 meter stations.
The surveyor also sets stakes at important points along the centreline, which will be useful
later on the project if there is any road intersections, beginnings and ends of curves, stop
speed...

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III.3. REFERENCE STAKES OR REFERENCE STATIONS

The control points established by the location survey determine the construction layout, so
these points must be carefully referenced.
The surveyor should set the control point references far enough from the construction to
avoid disturbance.

III.4. PROFILE AND CROSS SECTIONS

After the centreline of the road, including the horizontal curves, has been staked, the next
step in the road layout is the determination of elevations along the centreline and across
the road. The surveyor performs these operations, known as PROFILE LEVELLING and
CROSS-SECTION LEVELLING, as separate operations but at the same time as the elevation of
points along a centreline or other fixed lines.
The interval usually coincides with the station interval, but shorter intervals may be
necessary due to changes in terrain.
The plotting of centreline elevations is known as a PROFILE.
From this profile, the DESIGN ENGINEER determines the grade of the road.
The cross-section elevations make it possible to plot views of the road across the road at
right angles. These plotted cross sections determine the volume of earthwork to be moved.
The surveyor establishes the cross-section lines at regular stations,
All elevations are measured with a rod and level, and distances from the centreline are
measured with a tape.

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IV. CONSTRUCTION LAYOUT

IV.1. PREPARATION
The construction layout is an instrument survey. It provides the alignment, grades, and
locations which guide the construction operations. The construction operations include
clearing, grubbing, stripping, drainage, rough grading, finish grading, and surfacing. The
command must keep the surveyors sufficiently ahead of the construction activity in both
time and distance to guarantee uninterrupted progress of the construction effort.
IV.2. ALIGNMENT

The surveyor must place the alignment markers ahead of the crews engaged in the various
phases of construction. The surveyor may do a hasty alignment, marked by flags and rods,
suitable for guiding the clearing and grubbing operations.
However, a deliberate location of the centreline is necessary for the final grading and
surfacing operations.
The surveyor marks the curves and minor structures concurrently with the layout of the
centreline. Major structures such as tunnels and bridges involve a site survey. The general
demarcation of the site boundaries is carried on with the establishment of the route
alignment. The layout of the site proper is a separate survey.

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IV.3. SETTING GRADE STAKES

Grade stakes indicate the exact grade elevation to the construction force. The surveyor
consults the construction plans to determine the exact elevation of the subgrade and the
distance from the centreline to the edges of the shoulder.
**PRELIMINARY SUBGRADE STAKES
The surveyor sets preliminary subgrade stakes on the centreline and other grade lines, as
required. First, the surveyor determines the amount of CUT or FILL required at the
centreline station. The amount of CUT or FILL is equal to the grade rod minus the ground
rod. The surveyor sets the stakes by measuring the appropriate distance off the centreline
and determines the amount of cut or fill as outlined. The surveyor offsets the stakes along
the travelled way, roadbed, and ditches to prevent them from being destroyed during
grading operations. The construction foreman will specify to the surveyor, makes the
decision as to how many and where grade stakes are required.
**FINAL GRADE STAKES
Once the rough grading is completed, the surveyor sets the final grade stakes. The
elevation of the final grade is determined and the value of the grade rod reading is
computed. The surveyor uses a rod target to set the grade rod reading on the rod. The rod is
held on the top of the stake. The surveyor marks the top of the stake to distinguish it from
other stakes

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IV.4. PAVEMENT CONSTRUCTION

IV.4.1.SUB GRADE

It is the upper layer of the natural soil which may be undisturbed local material. Or may be
soil excavated elsewhere and placed as fill. In either case, it is compacted during
construction to give added strength. The subgrade receives the traffic load from the
pavement, it should be strong enough to take the load and doesn't fail the importance of
sub grade lies in the fact that if it fails, the performance of the whole road will be
affected.
A sub grade must be able to resist the effects of both traffic and weather.
Sub grade soil is not a uniform or homogeneous material, It properties vary with local and
depth.

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IV.4.2. SUB-BASE COURSE

Sub Base is a layer of granular material provided above Sub-Grade. It consists of natural
gravel, sandy gravel or a combination of the gravel, sand and clay.
Sometimes Sub-Base is provided when understanding subgrade is of low quality.
IV.4.3 BASE COURSE

Base Course is the major structure component of a road ( The main Load spreading a layer
of the pavement, Base course is the layer immediately under the pavement surface, it is
subject to severe loading consist of crushed stone or gravel, sands and sand clays
stabilised with cement, lime or bituminous.
IV.4.4. SURFACE COURSE
The top layers of pavement which is in direct contact with the wheel of the vehicle. Usually
constructed of material in which bitumen is used as binder materials.

a. Bituminous Pavement: (Flexible Pavement)

Consists of combination of mineral aggregate with bituminous binder ranging from

inexpensive surface treatment in or less thick to asphaltic concrete.

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b. Concrete Pavement (Rigid pavement):

Rigid pavement is the technical term for any road surface made of concrete. Concrete roads
are called rigid while asphalt-covered roads are flexible.

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V. ROAD DRAINAGE

At the drainage stage, the Surveyor performs some series of levelling and horizontal
distance measurement (Traverse):

LEVELLING TASK
Here the Surveyor determines the exact level in which the pipes, Manhole and all the
required drainage materials would be placed accordingly to the standard conditions.

HORIZONTAL DISTANCE MEASUREMENT (TRAVERSE)

The Surveyor performs a traverse to determine the correct horizontal distance in which the
drainage materials would be placed. The standard conditions or specifications must be
respected throughout his/her calculations.
Here is a clear statement of the Standard condition for the Manholes, taken from
DESIGN MANUAL: GUIDELINES AND POLICY FOR THE DESIGN OF STORMWATER DRAINAGE AND STORMWATER
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, stating that:
Manholes should be placed at every change in horizontal and/or vertical direction or
At a maximum spacing of:
100 m for pipes up to and including 900 mm diameter;
150 m for pipes over 900 mm up to and including 1 200 mm diameter;
200 m for pipes over 1 200 mm in diameter.
Standard Conditions
At manholes with no drop inlets or no substantial side inflows or where the change in
horizontal direction is less than 4 the difference in invert levels is determined by the
difference in pipe diameters only provided pipes are laid "crown to crown".

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VI. SOME IMPORTANT SURVEY INSTRUMENTS AND ACCESSORIES

EQUIPMENT USED BY A SURVEYOR IN THE ROAD DESIGN

1. INSTRUMENTS

Total Station

a) With a Total Station the Surveyor may determine angles and distances from the
instrument to points to be surveyed, applying Trigonometry and Triangulation, the
angles and distances may be used to calculate the coordinates of actual positions (Y,
X, Z of surveyed points, or the position of the instrument from known points).
b) The data recorded by the Total Station can be downloaded to an external computer
so that the4 surveyor may use the data to generate a Map with the aid of
appropriate software applications like: ROAD MAKER, MODEL MAKER, SURVEY
MAKER, etc.

Theodolite

The Surveyor uses a theodolite commonly for the following tasks:

a) Measurement of horizontal angles
b) Measurement of vertical angles
c) Setting out horizontal angles
d) Ranging
e) Levelling
f) Optical distance measurement
g) Controlling verticality

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Global Positioning System (GPS)

GPS can be used for many tasks in construction surveying such as measuring the grading,
elevation, staking, mapping and site exploration.

Automatic level

Used to determine the difference in height and establish the elevation between points.

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2. SURVEY INSTRUMENT ACCESSORIES

Tripods

Tripods support and provide a fixed base for all types of surveying instruments.
Level Staff or Levelling Rod

Used to read and determine the elevations of points.

Pole holder

Mostly use to hold and support vertically Range Rod and Prism.

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Survey pegs or survey stakes

Are used to mark out residential boundaries and indicate points and positions of a site. Here
below are some types of Survey Pegs or Stakes:

Indicator Survey Pegs These are the most common type of hardwood
survey pegs used on development sites. They come with coloured markings on the top that
are painted in white. Other colours may be available on request

Boundary Survey Pegs Boundary pegs are often used to mark new
boundaries created as a part of a subdivision. These pegs include point, paint and chamfer.

Dumpies Survey Pegs Dumpies are used to determine the accurate

position for installing assets. These are made from hardwood timber and may come painted
or unpainted.

Tapes

Used to measure the distance between points.

Nylon Tape Steel Tape

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VII. CONCLUSION

The success of a Road construction project depends on many factors, one of the most
important is the reduced results of the entire Road Survey.
Therefore, the Surveyor has to insure that each task is complete carefully to avoid gross
errors or Blunders.
Here below are some reformulations of the Role of a Surveyor on a Road construction
project, as a result of a personal expertise.
The Surveyor follows the progress of the project from day one to the last day:
Starting with the Reconnaissance survey process during which the Surveyor take a general
look of the site to be surveyed.
Followed by the Preliminary survey, process in which the Surveyor collect more precise
information required for the choice of best location for the project and to estimate the
exact quantities and costs of project.
The Final Location survey comes next; here the Surveyor allocates the exact position of the
Road by placing the CENTRE LINE, THE REFERENCE STAKES and performs a PROFILE LEVELLING and
CROSS SECTION LEVELLING as well.
Then the Surveyor proceed to the Construction Layout where he provides the necessary
ALIGNMENT, GRADES and the LOCATION guiding the project to the PAVEMENT CONSTRUCTION
where different layers of the Road are placed and settled.
Finally the Road Drainage, here the Surveyor performs some series of levelling and
horizontal distance measurement (Traverse).

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VIII. REFERENCES

www.wikipedia.com
http://engineeringfeed.com/helpful-road-cross-section
http://www.thelearnerpoint.com/sub-grade-road-structure/
http://www.thelearnerpoint.com/sub-base-road-structure/
http://www.thelearnerpoint.com/what-is-base-course-in-road-structure/
https://www.quora.com/What-materials-are-used-for-road-construction
http://www.fao.org/docrep/006/t0099e/t0099e04.htm (Drainage)
ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY
DESIGN MANUAL: GUIDELINES AND POLICY FOR THE DESIGN OF
STORMWATER DRAINAGE AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
SYSTEMS

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