1.

0 Introduction

Levelling is the procedure for determining elevation differences between two

particular points that are some distances apart by using surveyor’s level together with
a graduated measuring staff. Elevation is the vertical relative distance either above or
below a nearby benchmark in a network extending from a fundamental benchmark, a
point with precisely known relationship to references level, generally, the universal
reference datum is mean sea level (MSL).

Benchmark is a permanent point of known elevation. It is established using

precise levelling technique and instruments by federal, state or provincial and
municipal agencies and is available to surveyors for a nominal fee. Hence it must be
taken into consideration that the benchmark has to be placed in a structure that has
substantial footings. Meanwhile a standard benchmark is usually a bronze disk or
plugs that are horizontal to the earth’s surface.

Benchmark levelling is one of the levelling employed when a system of

benchmark or temporary benchmark is to be established or when an existing system
of benchmark is to be extended to another location.

Benchmark levelling or vertical control survey is classified by the relatively

high level of precision specified, both for the instruments and for the technique itself.
For general engineering projects, vertical control is the term applied to any of the
various processes by each elevation of points or differences in elevation are
determined. It is a vital operation in producing necessary data for mapping,
engineering design and construction.

2.0 Aim

To fly reduced level from known point (Benchmark or Temporary Benchmark) to

unknown point.
3.0 Equipments

1. Level and Tripod (1 set)

2. Staff (2 sets)

3. Staff bubble (2 sets)

4.0 Field Procedures

4.1 Observation Procedures

1. A series of measurements of level loop as shown was considered and

applied to the field work.

2. During the field work, the levelling survey started at TBM 2, the first
reading measurement from Setup 1 was a back sight to TBM 2, and the second
reading was a foresight to CP1 known as a Change Point.

3. The levelling staff then remained at CP1, while the instrument moved to
Setup 2. Back sight reading to CP1 was taken, and foresight reading to CP2
was taken, and so on until designated TBMK2 was reached.

4. The process continued until eventually, a Setup N(the last setup before
closing the loop) was made, back sight reading to the previous CP was taken
and foresight reading to TBM2 was taken.

6. The traverse was closed and this allowed a check on the levels, since the
sum of all the changes in level should be zero.
 A Sample of Levelling Loop

4.2 Booking Procedures

1. The Rise and Fall Method

The terms that were commonly used in the Rise and Fall Method were :
BS = Backsight
FS = Foresight
IS = Intermediate Sight, and
RL = Reduced Level

4.3 Reduction (Calculation) Procedures

1. The survey’s accuracy was checked for tolerances limit. This check was
applied before leaving the job.

2. The following arithmetic check was done to the survey’s level reductions
and must be exact :

ΣBS − ΣFS = ΣRise – ΣFall

(BS) – (FS) = RL(last BM) – RL(start BM)

3. Misclosure was checked by comparing its value with ±(20√K) mm, where
K is the length of the traverse in km. If greater than ±(20√K) mm, it is
unacceptable. Otherwise, the value is acceptable.

5.0 Data Tabulation

Turn to the next page.

6.0 Data Analysis

Page check:

ΣBS – ΣFS = 15.691 – 15.701

= -0.010 m

ΣRISE – ΣFALL = 0.217 – 0.227

= -0.010 m

RLB - RLT = 1.990 – 2.000

= -0.010 m

End Closure:

BM5 - RLB = 2.000 – 1.990

= 0.010 m

Allowable Closure:

Allowable closure = ±20√D

= ±20√0.328

= 11.454 mm

Note: Since allowable closure is 11.454 mm, the error of 10 mm is accepted with the
condition of adjustment is needed.

Adjustment:

End closure / ΣFS = 0.010 / 12

= 0.001 per FS
7.0 Discussion

1. When setting up the tripod, be sure to spread the legs until the tripod head is
approximately horizontal and they should be far enough apart to prevent the
instrument from being blown over by a gust of wind, and they should be pushed
into the ground far enough to make the level stable. However, in cases of setting
up on roads or sidewalks or pavements, do not push the legs’ sharp tips into the
ground or else, the tripod legs will spoil and lose its vertical balance. Additional
care should be exercised to protect the tripod from possible mishaps.
2. When taking readings using the level instrument, be sure to eliminate parallax
error before reading the staff. Parallax error exists whenever the vision of the
staff is blurry or shaky. By adjusting the focusing screw until vision is clear and
vivid, then only readings can be taken at the cross hairs. Make sure readings are
taken at a constant line of sight within the cross hairs and always compare the
reading on the left and right of the staff whenever a doubt pops up.
3. When calculating the distance for each setup, bear in mind that for levelling, the
distance between the level setup and a level staff should not exceed 30 m. One
should also make sure the line of sight between these two elements is clear
through and not blocked by physical features of the surroundings. For example, a
tree, a pillar or a signboard.
4. During levelling work, errors are bound to occur. The principal sources of error
in levelling are instrumental defects, faulty manipulation of the level or staff,
settling of the level or staff, errors in sighting, mistakes in reading the rod or in
recording or computing, errors due to natural sources and personal errors. Each
and every one of these errors has a precaution that can be taken to ensure the
minimisation of these errors.
5. In order to cancel out instrumental and natural occurring errors, the distances
between BS and FS have to be kept equal. However in certain situations such as a
river or valley crossings, it is not always possible to balance it out. Thus, the
reciprocal levelling technique can be applied here. This is because the averaging
process in this technique will eliminate instrumental and natural errors, such as
curvature. Errors due to refraction can be minimised by ensuring that the elapsed
 time for the process is kept to a minimum. For refraction, do not take readings on
the staff less than 0.5 m.

8.0 Conclusion

A temporary benchmark (TBM) has been established at the desired location

(TBMK2). The objective has been achieved. The reduced level of the point TBMK2
is 2.065 m.

9.0 References

1. https://www.academia.edu/9676436/LEVELLING_Basic_Theory_Method_of
_Levelling_Barometric_Levelling surfed on 13 October 2015.
2. http://www.boeingconsult.com/tafe/ss&so/survey1/level/notes-sur1.htm#sect2
surfed on 13 October 2015.