ELS Levelling

Levelling
Principle operation required in the determination of heights of points on the surface of the Earth
Elementary Land Surveying
ELS_Levelling05_06: 1
Equipment
1. Level with tripod (device to gives a truly horizontal line) 2. Levelling staff (a suitably graduated staff for reading vertical heights) 3. Chain/Tape (to enable the points leveled to be located relative to each other on a map) 4. Change plate (staff base plate) 5. Staff bubble
Elementary Land Surveying ELS_Levelling05_06: 2
Elements of Surveyors Level

1. Telescope Diaphragm plane glass on which a series of line is etched (cross-hairs) Parallax in focusing the real image formed by the objective lens is made to lie in the same plane as diaphragm Procedure of focusing: a) Adjusting eyepiece to bring diaphragm into sharp focus b) Adjust focusing screw until no parallax
Elements of Surveyors Level

2. Compensating Device in Automatic Level The telescope need only be approximately levelled and then a compensating device corrects for the residual mislevelment
Levelling Staff
1. Sectional and assembled by slotting onto one another vertically 2. Made of aluminium alloy 3. E-shaped graduation (reading to 1mm for ordinary levelling)
Precision Levelling Staff

1. Used for more accurate work (accuracy to 0.1mm in use with precise level) 2. Spring-mounted at the top 3. Made of invar alloy (iron + nickel) which has a lower coefficient of expansion unaffected by temperature effects
Levelling Terminology
1. Level line is a surface which is at a constant height relative to Mean Sea Level (MSL) and is a curved line 2. Horizontal line is tangential to the level line at any particular point and is perpendicular to the direction of gravity. Over short distance, the 2 lines are taken to coincide
Levelling Terminology (cont)

3. Datum A level line is chosen in which the elevation of all points is referred a) Mean Sea Level (MSL) is the mean of tidal height over a period of time (> 19 years) b) Principal Datum Hong Kong (PDHK) most of the works in HK refer to this. It is 1.230m below MSL (revised in June 1984) c) Chart Datum (CD) is a tidal datum for marine works and navigation
Relationship among different datums (Source: Lands Department, No Date)

4) Bench Marks Points of known elevation above PDHK a) Bench Mark (BM) established on vertical surfaces such as walls of buildings or substantial structures

4. Bench Marks (cont) b) Temporary Bench Marks (TBM) constructed at locations on site or off site, where the level of the mark is calculated from PDHK 5. Reduced Level (RL) the height of a point relative to PDHK 6. Height of Collimation is the height of collimation above PDHK
+5.00
TBM +10.00

7. Backsight (BS) 1st sight taken after the level has been set up. It is also a sight taken to a point whose height above HKPD is known 8. Foresight (FS) last sight taken before moving the level. It is also a sight taken to a point whose height is required to carry on the line of levels 9. Intermediate Sight (IS) other staff readings taken between BS and FS 10. Change Point (CP) the staff position at which a FS and then a BS readings are taken
BS CP
FS
IS
FS BS FS IS BS IS
Field Procedure
1. The level is set up at P where BM may be observed and readings taken at points A, B, C and D
a) The 1st reading (BS) made with the staff on a point of known RL b) The staff is now held at points A, B and C (ISs) in turn, and record the readings c) A change point (CP) is chosen at D, owing to the nature of the ground and take the reading (FS)
Field Procedure (cont)
2. The staff remains at point D. The level is moved to Q, set up and levelled
a) Taking the reading on the staff at the change point D (BS) b) Followed by IS with the staff on E, F and G until a further change becomes necessary
3. This procedure is repeated until all the required levels have been obtained 4. The final staff position is at a point of known RL
Procedure in Levelling
1. Height of Collimation Method

1st find the height of the line of collimation above the datum Height of collimation (HC) = 128.480 + 3.222 = 131.702m PD a) level at B (rise from A to B) = height of collimation reading at B = 131.702 1.414 = 130.288m PD b) level at B (rise from A to B) = height of collimation reading at B = 131.702 3.484 = 128.218m PD
Procedure in Levelling
2. Rise and Fall Method Rise 2nd reading < 1st reading Fall - 2nd reading > 1st reading b) from A to B a) from A to B 1st reading 2nd reading = 3.222 1.414 = 1.808 (rise) level at B (rise from A to B) = level at A + rise = 128.480 + 1.808 = 130.288mPD
1st reading 2nd reading = 3.222 3.484 = -0.262 (fall) level at B (fall from A to B) = level at A - fall = 128.480 + 0.262 = 128.218mPD
Booking and Calculation

1) Rise and Fall Method each reading is entered on a different line in the appropriate column, except at a change point, where a FS and BS occupy the same line. To check, BS - FS = Rise - Fall = Last RL First RL
BS 0.663
IS 1.946 1.008 1.153
FS
Rise
Fall 1.283
RL 98.760 97.477 98.415 98.270 97.838 98.355 99.407 99.979
Remarks BM A B C D (CP) E F G
0.938 0.145 1.585 0.432 0.517 1.052 0.646 0.572 3.079 1.860 1.219 1.860 2.231
2.787 2.270 1.218 3.450 2.231 1.219

99.979 98.760 1.219

Booking and Calculation (cont)

2) Height of Collimation Method the collimation height is obtained by adding the staff reading, which must be a BS, to the known RL of the point on which the staff stands. To check, BS - FS = Last RL First RL BS 0.663 1.946 1.008 1.153 2.787 2.270 1.218 0.646 3.450 2.231 1.219
IS
FS
Collimation 99.423
RL 98.760 97.477 98.415 98.270
Remarks BM A B C D (CP) E F G
1.585
100.625
97.838 98.355 99.407 99.979 99.979 98.760 1.219
2.231
Comparison
Rise and Fall Method
More accurate More calculation Intermediate RLs are known
Height of Collimation Method

Quicker Good for a lot of ISs
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Accuracy in Levelling
For normal engineering works and site surveys
Allowable misclosure = 5 n mm where n = no. of instrument positions
OR
Allowable misclosure = 12 k mm where k = length of levelling circuit in km
If actual misclosure > allowable misclosure, levelling should be repeated If actual misclosure < allowable misclosure, misclosure should be equally distributed equally between the instrument positions
Summary of Levelling Fieldwork

For levelling fieldwork, the following practice should be adhered to in order to improve the accuracy of the levelling works. 1. Levelling should always start and finish at points of known RL so that misclosure can be detected 2. Where possible, all sight lengths should be below 60 m 3. The staff must be held vertically by suitable use of a bracket bubble 4. BS FS Lengths 5. Reading should be booked immediately after they are observed. Important readings, particularly readings at change points, should be checked 6. The rise and fall method of reduction should be used if possible, especially for control works
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Collimation Error
if level is set up, levelled and the line of sight or collimation is not truly horizontal, it will sweep out a cone as it is rotated. this cone will be either above or below the horizontal plane
Staff Horizontal Line Level
Line of Sight
Permanent Adjustment Two Peg Test

1. On fairly level ground, set 2 points A and B, a maximum of 60m apart. Let this distance be L metres 2. Set up the level exactly midway between the points at point C and level carefully 3. Place a levelling staff at each peg in turn and obtain readings S1 and S2
S1 S2 = (S1 + x ) (S2 + x) = S1 S2 = true difference on height between A and B X is the error due to collimation error (inclination of the collimation line by angle
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4. Move the level so that it is L/10 metres from point B at D. Take readings S3 and S4
Apparent difference in height between A and B = S3 S4 If there is any difference between the apparent and true value, e = (S1 S2) (S3 S4) m per L metres (e should be less than 0.5mm per 10 m for average precision)

5. Any error e of the level should be adjusted using the adjusting screw with the collimation line altered to the correct staff reading For example, to adjust the level with instrument at D and staff at A, S4 = S4 e(L/10 + L) / L 6. The test should be repeated to ensure that the adjustment has been successful
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Two Peg Test - Example

The reading obtained from a two-peg test carried out on an automatic level with a single levelling staff set up alternately at 2 pegs A and B placed 60m apart are as follows: 1. With the level midway between A and B
Staff reading at A = 1.283m Staff reading at B = 0.860m
2. With the level positioned 5 m from peg B on the line produced from AB
Staff reading at A = 1.612m Staff reading at B = 1.219m
Find the collimation error (e) and corrected staff reading (S4)?
Errors in Levelling
Errors in Equipment 1. Collimation Error
Keep sight distance roughly equal Check by two peg test regularly Move eye with respect to eyepiece, see if any relative movement between target & cross-hairs, if so adjust eyepiece Zero error, check by tape, does not affect height difference if one staff is used 3-section staff should be properly extended Robust, properly tightened On soft ground, force it firmly into the ground
2. Parallax Error 3. Defects of Staff

4. Tripod
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Errors in Levelling (cont)

Field Errors 1. Staff not vertical
Staff is held vertical with aid of a bracket bubble A change plate should be used Ensure that the circular bubble is centered before and after a reading is taken Avoid windy condition Avoid line of collimation close to the ground in hot weather Start and finish at points of known height Run a loop
2. Unstable ground 3. Instrument not level 4. Weather condition

5. Checking
Errors in Levelling (cont)

Reading and Booking Errors 1. Misreading of the staff graduation
Keep sight distance < 60 m, otherwise it becomes impossible to take accurate readings Carefully entered the reading into the fieldbook always read the staff, book the observation and then check that the recorded entry agrees with a second reading through the telescope.
2. Erroneous Booking

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Error adjustments in levelling calculations

1. Rise and Fall Method
BS 1.944 1.691 2.009 0.367 1.223 1.347 2.114 0.775 0.816 4.425 4.433 -0.008
IS
FS
Rise
Fall
Provisional RL 32.640
Correction 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.008
Corrected RL 32.640 32.896 32.578 31.745 30.891 30.767 31.339 32.640
Remarks BM CH0 CH20 CH40 CH60 CH80 CH100 BM
0.253 0.318 2.842 0.833 0.856 0.124 0.572 1.298 2.123 2.131 -0.008 2.131
32.893 32.575 31.742 30.886 30.762 31.334 32.632 32.632 32.640 -0.008
4.433
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2. Height of Collimation Method
BS 1.944 1.691 2.009 0.367 1.223 1.347 2.114 0.775 0.816 4.425 4.433 -0.008
IS
FS
Collimation 34.584
Provisional RL 32.640 32.893 32.575
Correction 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.008
Corrected RL 32.640 32.896 32.578 31.745 30.891 30.767 31.339 32.640
Remarks BM CH0 CH20 CH40 CH60 CH80 CH100 BM
2.842
32.109
31.742 30.886 30.762
33.448
31.334 32.632 32.632 32.640 -0.008
4.433

Note:
Misclosures = -0.008m No. of instrument station = 3 Correction is +0.0027m and is added to the RL found from each instrument station No adjustment is applied to the initial BM, since this level cannot be altered.
17
Additional Levelling Methods

1. Inverted Staff
Used to determine the RL of points, such as the soffit of a bridge, underpass or canopy The inverted staff reading is booked with a negative sign
BS 1.750 -3.100 1.490 -4.210 -2.460 1.640 -4.100 -2.560 4.200 1.640 8.900 13.000 -4.100 4.050 8.410 13.000 4.850 4.590 IS FS Rise Fall RL 72.300 77.150 72.560 76.610 68.200 68.200 72.300 -4.100 Remarks BM A) Frame (lift-shaft) B) Floor Level C) Canopy D) Kerb
Example
BS 1.432 -0.874 -1.107 1.383 0.558 0.148 0.410 BS 1.432 -0.874 -1.107 1.383 0.558 0.148 0.410
IS
FS
Collimation 31.432
RL 30.000 32.667 32.900 30.410 30.410 30.000 0.410
Remarks TBM A Top of wall Arch soffit B
-1.235
31.793
0.148
IS
FS
Rise
Fall
RL 30.000
Remarks TBM A Top of wall Arch soffit B
-1.235
2.667 0.233 2.490 2.900 2.490 0.410 2.490
32.667 32.900 30.410 30.410 30.000 0.410
0.148
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Additional Levelling Methods

2. Reciprocal Levelling
By means of reciprocal levelling, the need for applying curvature and refraction corrections may be avoided 2 similar instruments in correct adjustment are required H = ((a1 b1) + (a2 b2)) / 2
Example
In levelling across a river, reciprocal levelling observations gave the following results for staffs held vertically at X and Y from level stations A and B on each bank respectively:
Staff Staff Staff Staff reading reading reading reading of of of of X X Y Y from from from from A B A B = = = = 1.753m 2.080m 2.550m 2.895m
If the RL of X is 90.370m PD, calculate the RL of station Y.

(note: Y is lower than X)
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Effects of Earths Curvature and Atmospheric Refraction A. Earths Curvature In , L2 + R2 = (R + c)2 L2 = (R + c)2 - R2 L2 = 2cR + c2 L2 2cR c L2 / 2R (km) = 0.0785 L2 (m) where radius of the Earth, R 6370 km and L in km
Effects of Earths Curvature and Atmospheric Refraction
Refraction
Line of sight is not really horizontal and bent downwards towards the Earth Value not constant, affected by pressure, temperature, latitude, humidity etc. Usually taken as 1/7 and opposite of the correction of curvature Combined correction = 0.0785 L2 * (6/7) = 0.0673 L2 (m) where L in km If L = 120m, c = -0.00097m 0.001m 1mm The effect is negligible for ordinary levelling
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Example
A staff is held at a distance of 200m from a level and a reading of 2.758m obtained. Calculate the reading corrected for curvature and refraction.
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ELS Levelling

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Levelling

Elementary Land Surveying

Elements of Surveyors Level

Elementary Land Surveying

Elements of Surveyors Level

Elementary Land Surveying

Elementary Land Surveying

Precision Levelling Staff

Elementary Land Surveying

Elementary Land Surveying

Levelling Terminology (cont)

Elementary Land Surveying

Relationship among different datums (Source: Lands Department, No Date)

Elementary Land Surveying

Levelling Terminology (cont)

Elementary Land Surveying

Levelling Terminology (cont)

Levelling Terminology (cont)

Levelling Terminology (cont)

Elementary Land Surveying

Field Procedure (cont)

1. Height of Collimation Method

Booking and Calculation

IS 1.946 1.008 1.153

RL 98.760 97.477 98.415 98.270 97.838 98.355 99.407 99.979

2.787 2.270 1.218 3.450 2.231 1.219

99.979 98.760 1.219

Booking and Calculation (cont)

RL 98.760 97.477 98.415 98.270

97.838 98.355 99.407 99.979 99.979 98.760 1.219

Height of Collimation Method

Elementary Land Surveying

Summary of Levelling Fieldwork

Elementary Land Surveying

Permanent Adjustment Two Peg Test

Elementary Land Surveying

Permanent Adjustment Two Peg Test

Elementary Land Surveying

Permanent Adjustment Two Peg Test

Elementary Land Surveying

Two Peg Test - Example

2. Parallax Error 3. Defects of Staff

Elementary Land Surveying

Errors in Levelling (cont)

2. Unstable ground 3. Instrument not level 4. Weather condition

Elementary Land Surveying

Errors in Levelling (cont)

Elementary Land Surveying

Error adjustments in levelling calculations

Elementary Land Surveying

Error adjustments in levelling calculations

Correction 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.008

Corrected RL 32.640 32.896 32.578 31.745 30.891 30.767 31.339 32.640

Remarks BM CH0 CH20 CH40 CH60 CH80 CH100 BM

Error adjustments in levelling calculations

Provisional RL 32.640 32.893 32.575

Correction 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.008

Corrected RL 32.640 32.896 32.578 31.745 30.891 30.767 31.339 32.640

Remarks BM CH0 CH20 CH40 CH60 CH80 CH100 BM

31.742 30.886 30.762

31.334 32.632 32.632 32.640 -0.008

Error adjustments in levelling calculations

Elementary Land Surveying

Additional Levelling Methods