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1. SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN
BACHELOR OF QUANTITY SURVEYING (Hons)
SITE SURVEYING (QSB60103)
Lecturer : CHAI VOON CHIET
DATE OF SUBMISSION :
8th December 2016
REPORT : FEILDWORK 1 - LEVELING
NAME STUDENT ID NO.
CHRISTINA HO CHIA HUI 0326499
BOON LI YING 0323839
CHOO ZHI KANG 0327586
ADAM WONG 0322520
CHLOE SIM TING ERN 0322932

2. Table of content
NO CONTENT PAGE(S)
1 Introduction to site surveying 3
2 Introduction to levelling 4-6
3 Objective 7
4 Apparatus Used 8-9
5 Two peg test 10
6 6.0 Field Data
6.1 Height of collimation
Method
6.2 Rise and Fall Method
11-12
7 7.0 Adjusted Data
7.1 Adjusted Height of
Collimation Method
7.2 Adjusted Height of Rise
and Fall Method
13-14
8 Discussion 15
9 Conclusion 16
10 Refereces 17

3. 1.0 Introduction to Site Surveying
Site surveying is a core module for Quantity Surveying degree which will teach us
the technique and profession of determining the three-dimensional position of points and
the distances and angles between them. Through this module, we will be able to provide
an overview of surveying and to develop understanding of leveling theory and practice.
One of our assignments is to carry out a fieldwork as a group of 5 in Taylor’s University
compound at specific areas. Our fieldwork is about levelling. We are given weekly lectures
by our lecturer, Ir. Chai and we are supposed to apply what we learn from lecture to the
fieldwork practical at site. We are given hands on experience by applying theories we
learned into weekly practical tutorials by doing levelling around school using site surveying
equipment. It is indeed a good opportunity for us to gain better understanding on levelling
and how to collect and analyze data correctly.
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4. 2.0 Introduction to Levelling
Levelling is usually an initial stage before construction is done. Levelling is about
finding elevations of given points with respect to a given data. There are marked areas
around the campus compound where we are supposed to measure the height using the
correct surveying instruments. It is an accurate method to measure the height of each
pinpoint of site. Levelling is also used in site surveying to find out the reduced levels in
every point.
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5. 2.1 Levelling Terms & Definitions
1. Back-sight (B.S)
- a reading of the leveling road in its unchanged position when the leveling
instrument has been taken to a new position
2. Foresight (F.S)
- a reading taken looking forward to a new station, especially in levelling from a
point of known elevation to a point the elevation of which is to be determined
compare back-sight
3. Bench-mark (B.M)
- a fixed point of known height above the ordinance datum (O.D.) from which the
height above the O.D of any other point may be determined.
4. Reduced Level (R.L)
- the vertical distance between a survey point and the adopted level datum
5. Temporary Bench-mark (T.B.M)
- a fixed point with a known elevation used for level control during construction
works and survey.
6. Datum
- two forms of datum namely the Ordinance datum ( O.D) and the Assumed datum
(A.D) it is a fixed starting point of a scale or operation
7. Changed Point (C.P)
-­‐ also known as turning point. A point to which a foresight and back-sight are taken
in levelling.
8. Line of Collimation
- also known as line of sight. It is the intersection of the cross hairs and the optical
entre of the objective lens.
-
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6. 2.2 Methods of Levelling
There are two methods to determine the differences in reduced level between the
points :
1. Height of Collimation method
2. Rise and Fall method
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7. 3.0 Objectives
• To provide an overview of surveying and to develop understanding of levelling theory
and practice.
• To develop the ability to use surveying instruments.
• To develop the ability to translate survey information for use by design and construction
teams.
• To be able to determine the error of misclosure.
• To provide better understanding for students about the process of levelling.
• To learn about the important of teamwork.
• To enable students to understand how to read the levelling and the data.
• To enable students ti get hands-on experience in setting up and working with the auto-
level.
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8. 4.0 Apparatus used for Levelling
1. Automatic Level
An automatic level is an optical instrument used
to establish or verify points in the same horizontal
plane. It is commonly used in surveying and building
with a vertical staff to measure height differences and to
transfer, measure and set heights.
2. Adjustable Leg Tripod with head adaptors
The adjustable leg tripod is a common tool in
construction to support the instrument where the
head adaptors are used to hold the instrument in
position. It is portable and adjustable for desired
heights of instrument.
3. Levelling Rod
The aluminium levelling rod’s function is to let the
operator obtain readings from the automatic level. In
order to obtain accurate reading, the horizontal bubble
level equipped in the rod must be inside the frame.
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9. 4. Optical Plummet
An optical plummet is an attachment plate
used to attach a surveying instrument by locking
the instrument down. The procedures speed up
the setting up process as well as protect the
instrument from falling.
5. Spirit Level
A spirit level is an instrument designed to indicate
whether a surface is horizontal or vertical. The spirit
bubble must be inside the black bubble to obtain
accurate measurement.
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10. 5.0 Two-peg test
The collimation error of the tilting level can be checked by two peg test. Before we
start the levelling job, two peg test need to be carried out to ensure the instrument is in a
good condition. The main error occurs when the line of sight is not horizontal and this will
leads to an incorrect staff reading. Two peg test is to identify the level has a collimation
error and allows the collimation error to be determined.
On a relatively flat site, establish two points A and B about 30 metres apart and set
up the instrument at P, point halfway between them then take the staff reading. Repeating
with the staff and record the reading again.
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A
P
a1 = 142.5 b2 = 137.8
15m15m
25m 5m
A BQ
a2 =138.80
b2 =140.00
Reading to A : a2 = 1.388m Reading to A : b2 = 1.400m
Then the automatic level was shifted and set over point Q, and
the following reading was reading was obtained.

11. 6.0 Field Data
6.1 Height of collimation method
Misclosure = 99.967 - 100.000
= -0.033m
= 33mm
Acceptable Misclosure = 12√ k, where k = the number of set ups
= ± 12√9
= 36mm
∴ The misclosure 20mm is smaller than the acceptable misclosure
36mm
∴ The levelling is acceptable.
BS IS FS HI RL REMARKS
1.393 101.393 100.000 BM 101 on
lamp post
100.00 at
AOD
1.359 3.603 99.149 97.790 A
1.346 1.339 99.156 97.810 B
1.352 1.442 99.066 97.714 C
1.633 1.550 99.149 97.516 D
1.210 97.939 E
1.299 1.370 99.078 97.779 F
1.426 1.528 98.976 97.550 G
3.744 1.396 101.324 97.580 H
1.347 1.329 101.342 99.995 I
1.375 99.967 BM 101
14.899
-14.932
- 0.033 14.932
99.967
-100.000
- 0.033
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12. 6.2 Rise and Fall Method
Misclosure = 99.967 - 100.000
= -0.033m
= 33mm
Acceptable Misclosure = 12√ k, where k = the number of set ups
= ± 12√9
= 36mm
∴ The misclosure 20mm is smaller than the acceptable misclosure
36mm
∴ The levelling is acceptable.
BS IS FS Rise Fall RL REMARKS
1.393 100.000 BM 101 on
lamp post
100.00 at
AOD
1.359 3.603 2.21 97.790 A
1.346 1.339 0.02 97.810 B
1.352 1.442 0.096 97.714 C
1.633 1.550 0.198 97.516 D
1.210 0.423 97.939 E
1.299 1.370 0.16 97.779 F
1.426 1.528 0.229 97.550 G
3.744 1.396 0.03 97.580 H
1.347 1.329 2.415 99.995 I
1.375 0.028 99.967 BM 101
14.899
-14.932
- 0.033 14.932
99.967
-100.000
- 0.033
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13. 7.0 Adjusted Data
7.1 Adjusted Height of Collimation Method
Correction per set-up = Misclosure ÷ Number of set-ups
= (99.967 - 100.000) ÷ 9
= - 0.033 ÷ 9
= -0.0037 m
BS IS FS HI RL REMARKS Correction Adjusted
Reduced
Level
1.393 101.393 100.000 BM 101 on
lamp post
100.00 at
AOD
1.359 3.603 99.149 97.790 A +0.0037 97.794
1.346 1.339 99.156 97.810 B +0.0074 97.817
1.352 1.442 99.066 97.714 C +0.0111 97.725
1.633 1.550 99.149 97.516 D +0.0148 97.531
1.210 97.939 E +0.0185 97.958
1.299 1.370 99.078 97.779 F +0.0222 97.801
1.426 1.528 98.976 97.550 G +0.0259 97.576
3.744 1.396 101.324 97.580 H +0.0296 97.610
1.347 1.329 101.342 99.995 I +0.0333 100.028
1.375 99.967 BM 101 +0.037 100.004
14.899
-14.932
- 0.033 14.932
99.967
-100.000
- 0.033
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14. 7.2 Adjusted Rise and Fall Method
Correction per set-up = Misclosure ÷ Number of set-ups
= (99.967 - 100.000) ÷ 9
= - 0.033 ÷ 9
= - 0.0037 m
BS IS FS Rise Fall RL REMARKS Correction Adjusted
RL
1.393 100.000 BM 101 on
lamp post
100.00 at
AOD
1.359 3.603 2.21 97.790 A +0.0037 97.794
1.346 1.339 0.02 97.810 B +0.0074 97.817
1.352 1.442 0.096 97.714 C +0.0111 97.725
1.633 1.550 0.198 97.516 D +0.0148 97.531
1.210 0.423 97.939 E +0.0185 97.958
1.299 1.370 0.16 97.779 F +0.0222 97.801
1.426 1.528 0.229 97.550 G +0.0259 97.576
3.744 1.396 0.03 97.580 H +0.0296 97.610
1.347 1.329 2.415 99.995 I +0.0333 100.028
1.375 0.028 99.967 BM 101 +0.037 100.004
14.899
-14.932
- 0.033 14.932
99.967
-100.000
- 0.033
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15. 8.0 Discussion
In this fieldwork, leveling instrument was set up at 9 points to measure the reduced
level of 10 points around the staff parking at Taylor’s university Lakeside Campus. The first
point to have the instrument set up is at the benchmark, labelled BM101 and with an
assumed reduce level of 100.00 which is located at the lamp post.
During this fieldwork, we started by setting up the instruments which is the
automatic level. Our lecturer, Ir Chai gave us a very clear instruction in adjusting the
levelling screws to the centre of the level tube. It is very important to make sure the spirit
bubble should always be brought to the centre of the level tube before take down the
reading to obtain an accurate readings. Besides, we also have to make sure that the tripod
is securely fasten where there will be no loose bolts or metal shoes. We take down the
reading on a notebook so that we can calculate our data after our fieldwork. Every group
members take turn to handle the instruments.
After the fieldwork, height of collimation method and rise and fall method is used to
calculate the reduced level with the data we record down while doing the fieldwork. Based
on our calculation, we calculated the misclosure is 33mm which is acceptable because it is
within 36mm as the acceptable misclosure is 36mm. Then, we distributed the error and
result of adjustment which is 0.0037m is obtained. After that, the adjusted reading is
obtained by adding up the adjustments to the reduced level. .
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16. 9.0 Conclusion
We feel very grateful for the opportunity given to do this fieldwork as a group
as it really is an eye-opening experience. We have never had a hands-on experience
especially on fieldwork. After being exposed to site surveying, we found out that
levelling is not an easy task as what we learn on books and papers but it is a very
practical work and requires time and practices to perfect this task. There may be slight
mistakes here and there during calculations and measurement but we managed to
overcome them during fieldwork with the guidance of our tutor, Mr Chai.
We are separated into different tutor groups so we all had different tutorial
time. For each tutorial lesson, we are guided by Mr Chai on how to use the site
surveying instruments and how to calculate reduced level etc. The reduced levels are
calculated with two different methods namely the Collimation Method and the Rise and
Fall method which we had both learned from the lecture. Every week, Mr Chai will give
us lecture before proceeding to our hands on tutorial classes.
One of the problems we come across during the fieldwork is the time and
weather conditions. Sometimes the weather is too hot and sunny for an outdoor activity
like levelling in the school compound, and sometimes it might be raining which makes it
troublesome for us to take care of the instruments. Our tutorial has to be before the day
gets dark as it may affect our sight and readings for the measurement of levelling. On
top of all that, we are to say that we are fortunate to be able to learn this in this module
as it may help us in the future as a Quantity Surveyor.
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17. 10.0 References
1. What is the Purpose of Survey and Levelling? (2016), Retrieved 30 November 2016,
from https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.quora.com%2FWhat-is-
the-purpose-of-survey-and-levelling-in-civil-engineering-What-is-the-latest-instrument-
used-for-it&h=PAQGkjMmM
2. What is an automatic level?. (2016). Reference. Retrieved 30 November 2016, from
https://www.reference.com/home-garden/automatic-level-42f9ad933d1043a0#
3. Optical plummet - homewyse definition. (2016). Homewyse.com. Retrieved 30
November 2016, from http://www.homewyse.com/definitions/optical_plummet.html
4. What Is a Leveling Rod? (with picture). (2016). wiseGEEK. Retrieved 30 November
2016, from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-leveling-rod.htm#didyouknowout
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