Basic Infrastructure Operations NTQF Level I: Anrs Tved Bureau Education and Training Core Process

ANRS TVED Bureau
Education and Training Core Process
BASIC INFRASTRUCTURE OPERATIONS

NTQF Level I
Unit of Competence: Read and Interpret Plans,

Maps and Specifications
Module Title: Reading and Interpreting Plans,
Maps and Specifications
LG Code: CON BIO1M01 LO1-
TTLM Code: CON BIO1TTLM 0816v1
Instruction Sheet Learning Guide #1
This learning guide is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the following
learning outcome and content coverage
MODULE CONTENTS:
LO1: Identify types of drawings
1.1 Safety requirements of site and equipment
1.2 Type and Function of Plans and drawing
1.3 Conventions of Drawing
1.4 Basic techniques of problem solving
1.5 Understanding of Project Quality requirements
1.6 Reading maps and sketch
1.7 Concept of Environmental Protection
1.8 Work ethics
1.9 Organizations codes and regulations
LO2: Check changes to drawing

2.1 basic calculations of heights, areas, volumes, scale and grades
2.2 Procedure of amendments and Checking of Panel
LO3: Locate and identify key features on a site plan

3.1 Basic concept of civil construction terminology, Symbols and Abbreviations
3.2 Key features of plans, elevations and formal Job Specifications
3.3 Procedures and techniques of reading and interpreting of plans and specifications
3.4 Concept of Communicating ,working with others,time manegement and use relevant
technology
3.5 Procedure of report writing Skill and recording Results
3.6 Understanding of consistent time with effectively and efficiently
LO4: Read and interpret job specifications

Method of identifying Job Specifications
This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcome and content stated in the cover page.
Specifically, upon completion of this Learning Guide, you will be able to –
 read and interpret of plans, maps and specifications in the road construction industry
 Iidentify types of drawings and their functions;
 recognizing amendments and commonly used symbols and abbreviations;
 locating and identifying key features on a site plan; and reading and interpreting job
specifications.
Learning Guide for Date: August ‎ ‎ 2016

Basic Infrastructure Operations Level I Author: ANRS TVED Bureau Education and Training Core Process Page 2 of 64
Version: 1 Revision: 0
Learning Instructions:
1. Read the specific objectives of this Learning Guide.
2. Follow the instructions described in number 3 to 20.
3. Read the information written in the “Information Sheets 1”. Try to understand what are being
discussed. Ask you teacher for assistance if you have hard time understanding them.
4. Accomplish the “Self-check 1” in page __.
5. Ask from your teacher the key to correction (key answers) or you can request your teacher to
correct your work. (You are to get the key answer only after you finished answering the Self-
check 1).
6. If you earned a satisfactory evaluation proceed to “Information Sheet 2”. However, if your
rating is unsatisfactory, see your teacher for further instructions or go back to Learning Activity
#2.
7. Submit your accomplished Self-check. This will form part of your training portfolio.
8. Read the information written in the “Information Sheet 2”. Try to understand what are being
discussed. Ask you teacher for assistance if you have hard time understanding them.
check 2).
11. Read the information written in the “Information Sheets 3 and 4”. Try to understand what are
being discussed. Ask you teacher for assistance if you have hard time understanding them.
check 3).
14. If you earned a satisfactory evaluation proceed to “Operation Sheet 1” in page _. However, if
your rating is unsatisfactory, see your teacher for further instructions or go back to Learning
Activity #6.
15. Read the “Operation Sheet 1” and try to understand the procedures discussed.
16. read the information written in the “Information Sheets. You will be also provided with
additional reference reading materials.
17. Access the information as described in the Operation Sheet 1 in page __.

18. Practice the steps or procedures as illustrated Operation Sheet. Go to your teacher if you need
clarification or you want answers to your questions or you need assistance in understanding a
particular step or procedure.
19. Do the “LAP test” in page __ (if you are ready). Request your teacher to evaluate your
performance and outputs. Your teacher will give you feedback and the evaluation will be either
satisfactory or unsatisfactory. If unsatisfactory, your teacher shall advice you on additional work.
But if satisfactory you can proceed to Learning Guide #2.

Introduction to Road construction
A road is a thoroughfare, route, or way on land between two places that has been paved or
otherwise improved to allow travel by foot or some form of conveyance, including a motor vehicle,
cart, bicycle, or horse.
Roads consist of one or two roadways, each with one or more lanes and any associated sidewalks
and road verges.
Roads that are available for use by the public may be referred to as parkways, avenues, freeways,
interstates, highways, or primary, secondary, and tertiary local roads.
Road network classification
The functional classification of roads in Ethiopia is based on five classes:
1.1 Trunk roads: roads linking Addis Ababa to centres of international importance and to intern
ational boundaries;
1.2 Link roads: connecting centres of national and international importance such as principal t
owns
and urban centres;
1.3 Main access: connecting centres of provincial importance;
1.4 Collectors: connecting locally important centres to each other or to a more important centre
or to a higher class road; and
1.5 Feeder roads: connecting minor centres such as a market to other parts of the network.
Low volume roads can be represented in all five of these functional classes.
Roads in Ethiopia can be further divided into three categories depending on ownership and the authori
ty responsible for them. These are:
 Federal (the responsibility of the Ethiopian Roads Authority);
 Regional (the responsibility of the Regional or Rural Roads Authorities); and
 Other rural roads (the responsibility of local authorities at Wereda or Kebele level or communit
ies).
The road construction types or methods are classified as below:
► Earth road and gravel roads.
► Soil stabilized roads.
► Water bound macadam road.
► Bituminous or black top road.
► Cement concrete road.

Information Sheet-1 Identify types of drawings
Introduction to working drawing
Engineering drawing is a graphical language by which engineers and technicians communicate
with each other. It is usually created in accordance with standard conventions for lay out,
nomenclature (naming), interpretation, size etc. It is a representation of forms or objects on a
surface by means of lines.
The process or skill of producing engineering drawing is often referred to as technical drawing
or drafting.
Drawing conveys or shows
 Geometry (shape and view)
 Dimension
 Tolerance (the allowable variation for each measurements)
 Material used
 Surface finish of the material in question
There are various types of drawing that differ in the information they give. Some of them with
their definitions are listed below.
o Working drawing
o Survey drawing
o Detail drawing
1.1 Safety requirements of site and equipment

Safety
Safe work procedures
All appropriate precautions shall be taken to ensure that all workplaces are safe and without risk of
injury to the safety and health of workers.
Workers shall have the right and the duty at any workplace to participate in ensuring safe working
conditions to the extent of their control over the equipment and the methods of work and to
express views on the working procedures adopted as they may affect safety and health.

1.2 Type and Function of Plans and drawing
Technical Drawings
 Serve as a reference to workers, architects or machinists.

 When you are ready to design the details, you make a technical drawing,
 Presents all the information necessary for the object’s construction.
 Is made with great precision,
 Requires the use of rulers, compass and protractor or drafting software.
 Is done to scale, and respects the proportions of the object represented.
 Respects conventions in the mode of the representation.
 done with more detail and more accuracy.
1.3 Conventions of Drawing
Lines
Lines in technical drawings are part of a specialized graphic language.
Each type of line has a very precise symbolic meaning.
Correct usage of this “alphabet of lines” is essential

Line Type and Line Weight
Line Weight
Line weight and line quality are extremely important to a successful set of design
drawings.
The line weight is the light or darkness and width of a line.
drafting documents must have a variety of line weights.
Line Types
There are standards for different types of lines along with line weight and quality called
line type. Each has a definite meaning and is recognized as a typical symbol or object
within the building trades industry. Listed below are the standard types of lines that
will typically be used in design drawings.
(a) Basic Line (b) Function
1 Dimension Line Indicates the length of an object
2 Extension Line Shows boundaries of a measurement
3 Visible (or Object) Line Shows Visible outlines of an object
4 Hatching Indicates surface in a section view
5 Leader (or Reference) Line Ties a dimension (or a label) to a feature
6 Hidden Line Indicates hidden outlines
7 Centre (or symmetry) Line Indicates the center of a circle

Read and interpret plan, maps and specifications
1.1 Geometric elements
 Point
 Line
Points (.): A point is a geometric element which has no dimension and represented by
intersecting lines.
Line ( )
Line is a geometric element which has one dimension. The type of a line produced depends up
on the direction and type of motion followed by the point. Generally a moving point the results a
vertical line, horizontal line, parallel line, perpendicular line, curved line, zigzag line etc.
Types of line in drawing
 Object line (Visible line)
 Hidden line
 Centerline
 Section line
 Cut plane line
 Dimension line
 Extension line
Object line (visible line):- is the solid dark line used to show visible edges of an object. This line is
the most prominent line of a drawing.
Hidden lines:- are medium weight short dashes. They are used to show hidden edge of an object.
Center line:- is thin line composed of long and short dashes spaced alternately. They are used to
indicate axis of circles and symmetrical surface of objects.
Section line:- is used to show the cut surface of an object in sectional view. The line should be drawn thin to
produce a contrast with equally spaced visible line which are proportional the mass of the section on of surface.
Section lines
Cutting plane line:- is used to indicate the location of the cutting plane in the process of sectioning.
_______________ _ _ ______________ _ _ ____________
Dimension line: - is a thin line with arrow at its ends. They are used to indicate the extent and direction of
dimensions.
Extension line:- is a thin solid line used to indicate the termination of dimensions.

Extension line
345.90
Dimension line
Drawing instrument
 0.5mm lead pencil
 White eraser
 T-square and drawing board
 Set-squares
 scale
0.5mm fine lead pencils have become popular replacing the thicker wood and lead holder type
leads. Thicker leads are stronger but require frequent sharpening. Lead hardness grades from 9H to
H and HB to 6B are available. Select the lead hardness which suits the film or paper being used.
Use white erasers for plastic film, pink for paper.
T-squares and drawing boards were used for many years to draw accurate drawings. Paper or cloth
material was aligned with the T-square and held in place with tacks or tape. Skill was required to keep
all the tools in place while drawing.
Working edge blade
Head
T-square
Parallel rules running on string cables were preferred by many architects. With care the rules
would maintain relatively accurate horizontal alignment. Metal or plastic
triangles were aligned to draw angles in increments.
Drafting machines were popular for machine drafting because the built in protractor allowed the
drawing of angles to the closest 5 minutes of one degree. Vertical and horizontal scales reduced the
need for triangles. 30-60 and 45-45 triangles are shown below.
450x450 triangle 300x600 triangle

Scale The architectural draftsman's scale is made in various lengths, but 12 -inch
triangular scale will be found best for student use. This has in one face the normal full
size division of the foot. The scale at which the drawing is to be made may depend
upon three things: first the size of the paper on which the draftsman wishes to work;
second the size of the building or detail to be drawn; third, the amount of detail that is
desirable to show in the drawing.
Terminology Used For Road Plans

The plan consists of construction drawings and specifications for each section of road.
The four most common views of plans are:
 Plan views
 Profile views
 Cross-section views
 Typical views
1.2 Plan Reading
Each engineering plan will include a legend defining both abbreviations and symbol used throughout.
Another valuable component of the engineering plan is stated below.
common Definitions
views of plans
Plan View A drawing depicting a section of the road from a bird’s eye view
Profile View A drawing depicting the vertical plane along the longitudinal centerline of the
road, expressed in elevation or gradient
Cross- A drawing depicting a section of the road viewed vertically, as if cut across the
section width of the road.
View
Typical A drawing depicting features of a particular design, installation, construction

View or methodology
Plan view: - is the top or bird’s eye view of an object.

It shows:
 Horizontal alignment (the length and width from the top.)
 the existing and proposed road locations
 chainage e.g., 1+200
 radius
Section: - is a vertical section or cut of an object through the subject area that exposes an end view of all the elements.
Cross-section of a road:
is a profile of proposed road including the ground along line perpendiculars to the center line of the road.
A road cross-section will normally consist of the carriageway, shoulders or curbs, drainage features and
earthwork profiles. This type of drawings show the area of earth work involved at a given station and is
helpful to determine earth work volumes.

Profile drawing:- shows a longitudinal sectional view of a road which consists of vertical alignment (i.e.
longitudinal grade, the vertical curve, the ground design elevations etc) along the centre line of the road. This
paper has finer divisions horizontally than vertically. To draw the profile graph use the horizontal scale is
1:2000 and a vertical scale is 1:200.
1.3 Scale
The scale of a plan is the ratio between distance on the map and the same distance on the ground. It depends
upon the purpose of the plan required.
The scale of plan can be shown in three works.

 By words statement 1cm=2000m
 By a representative fraction (1:2,000)
 By graphical scale
Graphical scale in meter

1.4 Basic techniques of problem solving
A structured process helps ensure you stay on track with what you need to do to solve a problem.
The seven step problem solving technique covers:
1. Finding the right problem to solve
2. Defining the problem
3. Analyzing the problem
4. Developing possibilities
5. Selecting the best solution
6. Implementing
7. Evaluating and learning

Self-Check 1 Written Test
Name: _________________________
Short Answer Questions
1. The four most common views of

road plans are:
A. .
B. .
C. .
D. .
2. Type of drawing
3. Type and Function of Line

A. .
B. .
C. .

Answer Sheet Score = ___________
Rating: ____________
Name: ________________________ Date: _______________
4. The four most common views of road plans are:

A. .
B. .
C. .
D. .
5. Type of drawing
6. Type and Function of Line

D. .
E. .
F. .
G. .

Information Sheet-2 Check changes to drawing
A.3 AREAS
Definition = 1m2 is the area of a square having sides
whose length is 1m. Consequently every unit of length
can be converted into an area if it is multiplied by
itself.
This term/ area is mostly encountered in determining
the area to be:
• Compacted
• Surfaced
• Grassed

VOLUMES

Definition = the most frequently used unit of
measurement for volume is the cubic meter (m³)
• Volume of material.
This term is mostly encountered in determining the
amount of material to be:
– Excavated
– Used in the construction and compaction of a layer
– Carted away
• Volume of liquids
The volume of liquid is normally measured in liters
(l).
The term is encountered in determining the amount of:
– Water
– Emulsion
– Bitumen

1m3 is the volume of a cube where each side is 1m.
Volumes are calculated by multiplying a base area
(e.g. m2) with a third dimension.
he volume of compacted material in a road layer is

obtained by multiplying the thickness of the layer
(t) by the width of the layer (w) by the length of the
layer (l).
The problem here is that the length could be in km,
the width in m, and the thickness in mm. They must
all be brought to the same unit, normally meters to
give a volume in m3 (cubic meters).
• Volume of material excavated from a trench or drain

Proportional calculations
Simple proportions and inverse proportions are
particularly applicable in doing calculations
related to production.
Ratios
A ratio of one number to another number is the first
number, divided by the second number e.g. the
relation between the quantity of mixing water and the

amount of cement in a concrete mix is known as the
water: cement ratio.
Water: cement ratio = volume of water or mass of water
volume of cement mass of cement Note: A ratio has no
units.
Percentages (%)
The term percentage is made up of two words per and
percentage where per means for (part of) and
percentage means 100. A percentage (%) is therefore
the name given to the mathematical expression, where
the total of the parts/portions/ingredients is
expressed as a 100 (100%), and the individual
parts/portions/ingredients are expressed as a
part of a 100.

General principles of taking-off
1. Entering dimensions
Dimensions are entered in the dimension column in meters to two places of decimals.
The four principal units of measurement are length (m), area (m 2), volume (m 3) and
enumeration
For enumerated items whole numbers are entered in the dimension column, with a line
drawn horizontally beneath each single entry.
The order of recording dimensions is:
- Length
- Width/breadth
- Vertical height/depth
Grouping of dimensions
Where more than one set of dimensions relate to the same description, the dimensions
should be suitably bracketed so that this shall be made clear.
Where the same dimensions apply to more than one item, the best procedure is to separate
each of the descriptions by an ampersand ‘&’ sign and to bracket the descriptions.
Measurements of civil work
 Measurements refer to taking off dimensions by directly reading from drawings or
by scale measuring when ever dimensions are not given.
 The measurement of quantities involves measuring of lengths, calculations of areas,
calculations of volumes or counting the number of pieces depending on the nature of
work and item used.

1. LINEAR MEASUREMENTS
- Linear measurements are taken in perimeters computations. To calculate the volume
of excavations for foundation (strip foundation) and brick works for walls, the
perimeter of the structure has to be computed first.
There are four approaches for computations of the perimeter
A. Separate or individual method
In this method the out – to –out measurement is taken for longer walls and in – to – in
measure for shorter walls.
B. enter line methods
In this method the perimeter is equal to the sum of total length of centerlines of both longer
and shorter walls
C. External length
The sum of all external dimensions less the thickness of all corners gives the perimeter
D. Internal length
Perimeter equals to sum of internal dimensions plus the thickness of the corners
2. Area measurement
In works like painting, plastering, floor finishing, site clearing, priming, etc area
measurement is required. While measuring the area of the irregular areas; the irregular area
is broken in to a number of regular figures that best describe the irregular plot and the areas
of the regular figures is computed and summed to give the area of irregular ones.
3. Volume measurements
After surface areas are computed in works like bulk excavation or excavation of reduced
level, the most frequent difficulties that quantity surveyors are facing is calculations of the
average depth of excavation.

A B Let elevation of:
A = 4.00m
B = 3.00m
A = 40m2
C = 3.50m
D C D = 4.10m
Average = 4 + 3 + 3.5 + 4.1 = 3.65m
Volume of excavation = 40m2 x 3.65 m = 146m3
II. IMPORTANCE OF MAPS:
When used correctly a map can give accurate information on such factors as:
a. Distances b. Locations
c. Heights or Elevation d. Best Routes
e. Key Terrain Features f. Cover and Concealment
SCALE AND DISTANCE
The scale of the map indicates the amount that objects have been reduced.
I. THE REPRESENTATIVE FRACTION:
a. The scale of a map expresses the ration of horizontal distance on the map to
the corresponding horizontal distance on the ground. It is usually written as a fraction and
called the "REPRESENTATIVE FRACTION" (RF).
Map Distance (MD)

Representative Fraction (RF) = ---------------------------------
Ground Distance (GD)
The RF is always written with the map distance as 1. It is independent of any

unit of measure. An RF of 1/50,000 or 1 : 50,000 means that one (1) unit of measure on the
map is equal to 50,000 of the same unit of measure on the ground.

Directions: Answer all the questions listed below. Use the Answer sheet provided in the
next page:
1. Calculate the slope if the length =45m and vertical height=5m

2. What will be the actual ground length if the length on the plan =15cm & scale of the
plan 1:150,

Information Sheet-3 Locate and identify key features on a site plan
3.1 Basic concept of civil construction terminology, Symbols and Abbreviations

Topographic symbols
Standard symbols are used to represent special topographic features, thereby making it
possible to show many details on a single sheet.
Considerable practice is required to draw these symbol will a suitable scale. Before
placing symbols on map such as things buildings, roads and boundary lines are first plotted
and inked. The symbols are then drawn or out from standard sheets having an adhesive on
the back and pasted on the map. A fully detailed map with coloring and shading is a work of
art.

Road construction Terminologies and Symbols, Legend and Plan
Abbreviations
marginal information:
1. the outer edges of a map contain information, which is used to interpret the
map.
2. a legend of symbols and abbreviations is not included in the plans.
3. certain symbols and abbreviations are common to a set of highway plans.
4. it is often necessary to abbreviate words on plan sheets.
5. the following marginal information are contained in a map:
a. sheet name -
b. sheet number
c. series name and scale
d. bar scales
e. index to adjoining sheets
f. index to boundaries
g. legend
h. declination diagram
i. contour interval
j. protractor scale

Some standard abbreviations, symbols, legend are:

Procedures and techniques of reading and interpreting of plans and specifications
The following Procedures and techniques are used to interpret the plan.
 Put the plan or the plan on the clean ,dry &smooth table.
 Atach the plan or the map by holder /schoch
 Look the features on the plan / the map
 Go to the marginal informations &Understand what symbols and
abbreviations on the plan / the map represents
 Perform necessary computings&conversions
 Finalize the interpretation
 Recored results and conclusions
How to Read Engineering Drawings

Engineering drawings are typically used as visual tools in the creation of homes, bridges, and
other buildings. While these drawings can be quite straightforward to individuals who are skilled
in the field of engineering or architecture, they can be quite difficult to interpret for laypeople.
Knowing how to read engineering drawings will help provide you with a better idea of the
building plans.
Steps

1.
1 .Familiarize yourself with the scale of the drawings.
o Understanding how large or small certain items are essential when reading
engineering drawings. While most engineering drawings are created in "scale"
versions of 1/4-1/8 inches (.55-.275 centimeters) per foot, other scales may be
used for very large creations. Always determine the scale of the drawing before
examining it in detail. If the scale is not obviously evident on the drawing,
consult with the engineer who drew it for clarification.
2.
2 Understand the basic symbols used in the engineering drawings.
o As these drawings are done on such a small scale, the use of symbols is often
required. While many symbols exist, understanding a few of the basics can be
very helpful when reading engineering drawings. Some of the most common

symbols used in these drawings include rectangles, circles, and triangles. As
with determining the scale, consulting with the engineer who created the
drawing can provide great insight as to the symbols used.
3. Look for circled numbers.

o As discussed previously, engineering drawings are typically done on a scale so
small that creating detail is almost impossible. Because of this, engineers often
add circled numbers to certain parts of the drawings. These circled numbers
indicate that the area identified is shown in greater detail on another page.

4. Identify specific abbreviations.
o Abbreviations are a useful tool for engineers. Like symbols, they can indicate
shapes, processes, and even dimensions through a few letters. Some of the most
common abbreviations used in engineering drawings include DP, which stands
for depth, and DIA, which stands for diameter.

5. Work with colleagues.
o When all else fails, consult with other professionals to better clarify the
drawings. While it may be embarrassing to admit that you are having difficulty
interpreting the drawing, those who regularly work with and understand the
drawings will help you read them. Ask "in the know" individuals on the project
to clarify anything you do not understand; better that this happens in the early
stages of a project than to encounter a mistake farther into a project because of
improperly reading engineering drawings.
3.2 Procedure of report writing Skill and recording Results

What is a Report?
Reports are more likely to be needed for business, scientific and technical subjects, and in the
workplace.
A report is a short, sharp, concise document which is written for a particular purpose and
audience.
It generally sets outs and analyses a situation or problem, often making recommendations for
future action.
It is a factual paper, and needs to be clear and wellstructured.
Requirements for the precise form and content of a report will vary between organisation and
departments and in study between courses, from tutor to tutor, as well as between subjects, so it’s
worth finding out if there are any specific guidelines before you start.
Reports may contain some or all of the following elements:
A description of a sequence of events or a situation;
 Some interpretation of the significance of these events or situation, whether solely your own
analysis or informed by the views of others, always carefully referenced of course
 An evaluation of the facts or the results of your research;
 Discussion of the likely outcomes of future courses of action;
 Your recommendations as to a course of action; and
 Conclusions.
Not all of these elements will be essential in every report.
Report Writing
Prior preparation and planning
The structure of a report is very important to lead the reader through your thinking to a course of
action and/or decision. It’s worth taking a bit of time to plan it out beforehand.
Step 1: Know your brief

You will usually receive a clear brief for a report, including what you are studying and for whom
the report should be prepared.
Step 2: Keep your brief in mind at all times
During your planning and writing, make sure that you keep your brief in mind: who are you
writing for, and why are you writing?
The Structure of a Report

 Executive Summary
 Introduction
 Report Main Body
 Conclusions and Recommendations
Road construction Terminologies and their Definitions
Fill Materials (also
termed as "Fill"): Naturally occurring inorganic soils and soil like materials
including sand and crushed rock but excluding individual particles of
sizes greater than 75mm.
Ordinary Fill: Fill material to be used for forming the road embankments
other than in improved sub-grade and in back fill behind bridge
abutments.
Sub-Base: The pavement layer composed of a homogeneous mixture of
crushed stone aggregates and local sand and soil lying immediately
below the base course.
Base Course: The pavement layer composed lying between the bituminous
surfacing at its top and the sub-base course at its bottom and within
the carriageway on either side of the center line.
Cross sections: Is used to produce the ground profile at right angels to the
centerline of the road. Pegs are driven into the ground at right angles
to centerline at 5m Interval or less.
Longitudinal profile: Used to produce ground profile along the center line of road.
Stakes or pages are driven into the ground along the center line at
10m,20m, or 30m interval where the slope of the ground shows very
little or no variation.

Turned Shoulder: Compacted earth strips protected by grass on top at the
extremities of the roadway width, adjacent to the hard shoulders.
Maximum Dry
Density (MDD) : Maximum dry density as determined in the laboratory using
Standard Compaction.
Optimum Moisture
Content (OMC) : Optimum moisture content as determined from moisture-density
relationship tests for Standard Compaction.
Gravel: Naturally occurring hard granular aggregates between 100mm and
5mm sizes.
Sand: Naturally occurring cohesion less granular materials of mineral
origin between 5mm and 0.075mm sizes.
Formation width: Full width of road, including drains and embankments.
Roadway: Width of road, including shoulders.
Carriage way: Pave width of the road, available for traffic
Shoulders: Paved or unpaved width of road next to the edge of the carriage
way adjacent to the ditch or embankment slope.
Camber: A camber road has a cross-section like a roof on a house, to drain
the rainwater away from the carriage way to the side drains.
Late rite surfacing: A layer of compacted late rite which forms the surface (or
pavement) of the carriage way
Embankment: Compacted earth fill below the roadway.
Cut: Excavation in the natural ground on the hill side of the road
usually with graded slopes. The material dug out is used to fill the
embankment on the valley side of the road.

Sub grade surface: Upper layer of the soil (natural material) supporting the roadway
including embankment and slopes.
Side drain: The side drain runs along the road and collects the water from the
carriage way and adjoining land, and transports it to a convenient
point of disposal.
Original ground level: The natural surface of the cross-section prior to construction.
Back slope: The outer slope of the side drain with an appropriate angle to
prevent the soil from sliding to the ditch.
Ditch slope: Inside s lope from the shoulder to the side drain.
Embankment slope: Natural material slope on embankment
Crown: Peak or highest point of the camber
Road centre line: The line running along the centre of the road (important in
surveying and setting out the road alignment).
Chain age: Is a term frequently used for describing distances measured along
the centre line of the road.
Catch water drains: Where the road is situated on a hillside a significant amount of
rainwater may flow down the hill towards the road. This may cause
damage to the cut face (back slope) of the road and may even cause
landslides. Catch water drains intercept or "catch" surface water
flowing towards the road from adjacent land, and lead it away.
Culvert: The culvert is a transverse drain built under the road and its
function is to lead water from the upper, uphill side of the road to the
lower, valley side. In tropical countries with high rainfalls three or

four culverts are required per kilometer. Culvert rings are usually
made of concrete or prefabricated corrugated steel rings.
Head wall: A wall 300 mm. thick stone masonry constructed perpendicular
to the culvert pipes (at the end ) to retain
Wing wall: Continuation of headwall at an angle, generally 45 degrees, and
shall extend a minimum of 1m out from the pipes, to retain the soil of
the road side slope and to allow the free flow of water into and away
from the pipes.
Reinforced concrete pipes: Reinforced concrete pipes prefabricated in a standard steel
mould.
Pipe bedding: The foundation on which pipes are laid.
Up stream apron: Part of a culvert at the upstream inlet made of stone/masonry,
where water enters into the pipes to prevent any scour or damage to
the pipes.
Downstream apron: Part of a culvert at the downstream outlet, where the water
goes out slowly to the natural water course, to prevent any scour or
damage to the pipes.
Cut- off wall: Wall generally constructed at the downstream and of a structure
and constructed into the ground, to prevent scouring of the apron, as
well as the structure.
Headwall foundation: Headwall foundation provided to the main culvert headwall so
that it can retain the earth pressure.

Bridges: Are expensive, so an alternative is to construct a drift - a low –
level crossing which constant or seasonal water collected from the
ditches and/or natural water courses can flow over. Although drifts
are less convenient than bridges for road users, and can become
unusable at times of heavy rains, their low cost offers a great
attraction when funds are short.
Vented ford
(Vented drift)/Causeway: The vented ford is an intermediate solution between a drift
and a bridge. It is a medium-level stream or river crossing through
which the normal flow of water can pass, but which is designed to be
over-topped during periods of heavy rainfall.
Silt: A soil with very small particles (0.002-0.06mm), which is
powdery when dry but very soft when wet. For a quick test, when you
roll a lump of silt between your hands they will not get stained.
Clay: This is a soil with even smaller particles (<0.002mm). It forms
hard lumps when dry and the surface is cracked, but is sticky and soft
when wet. For a quick test, your hands will be stained if you roll a
lump of clay between your hands.
Bench Mark( B.M) : Is a definite point on an object of permanent character or to be
established as more or less permanent and the elevation and location
of which is ascertained.
Degree of Curve ( D.C): is the angle subtended at the Centre of the curve by a 20 m arc.

Instructions: Perform the following tasks. Write your answers in the answer sheet
provided:
1. What type of information is found in the marginal information?
2. What are Procedures and techniques used to interpret the plan?

Note: Satisfactory rating - 15 points Unsatisfactory - below 15 points
You can ask you teacher for the copy of the correct answers.

Score = ___________
Rating: ____________
Answer Sheet
Name: _________________________ Date: _______________
1. ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

Information Sheet-4 Read and interpret job specifications
4.1. Method of identifying Job Specifications

Specifications are the most reliable method of describing requirements.
Specifications play an important role in the search for the right quality and the right value.
They also assist in resolving the conflicts, which might arise later on. In construction projects,
engineering drawings and prints are used while describing the specifications.
Specifications must have following essential features:
 It should be as simple as possible and easy to understand.
 It should be exact.
 It should be capable of verification
Types of specifications
 Material specification
 Workmanship specification
 Material procurement specification
 Performance specification
 Standard reference specification
 Master specifications
Material specifications: for some items may focus on the physical and/ or chemical
properties that can also be cross checked by tests. For others the performance characteristics
may be the governing factors. In some cases, compositions the following need to be
considered:
 Physical properties, such as strength, durability, hardness, and elasticity
 Chemical composition
 Electrical and thermal and acoustical properties
 Appearance including color texture pattern and finishes
Workmanship Specifications, this type of specification indicates the desired results that
need to be achieved in the works so that the contractor has the option of selecting the
construction methods, to achieve the stated results.
In general such specifications
Specify the desired results as to the quality of workmanship and finish, giving due
consideration to practical limitations in tolerance, clearances and the like.
State any detailed construction methods or procedures necessary for the accomplishment of
particular purposes.

Material procurement Specifications. These types of specifications describe the
requirements of materials, works for repetitive items, such as the provisions of steel bridges
in long highways.
Performance specifications Such types of specification, define the performance

requirements for machinery and plant operating equipment.
Standard reference specifications: these are published reference standards published by
government and professional societies, and industry associations for utilization in
construction work or material production
Master specifications; some agencies prepare their own master specifications to be adapted
for each required works, by deleting certain sections. Care should be exercised in deleting or
leaving certain sections of the specifications as it will cause misunderstanding later.
Writing specifications
When planning to write specifications one should start of all with an overall analysis of
the work to be done, and the requirements necessary to achieve the required level of quality.
In general a specification address issue such as:
 Defining the extent of the works,
 The methods to be utilized,
 The workmanship and finish anticipation given to practical limitations such as
tolerances,
 Requirements and procedure and usage by the owner both on site and off site.
 Factory test (If necessary). Protection during manufacture, transport and placing or
the like
Objective Specication writing
The objective good specification writing is to transmit the requirements of the work in a
clear and unambiguous manner.
 Clarity
 Simplicity pre
 Quantification
 Use of tolerances
 Brevity
Whenever possible use
 Previous specification ( with care full adaptation to current requirements )
 Industry standard specifications.
 Government specification
 National codes
 Manufacture’s specification (exercise care as not to limit competition by using a
single brand)


1. Specifications must have following essential features:
2. Types of specifications
3. In general a specification address issue such as:
4. Writing good specifications one must focus on the following key elements.

Answer Sheet
Name: _________________________ Date: _______________
1.Specifications must have following essential features:
2.Types of specifications
3.In general a specification address issue such as:
4.Writing good specifications one must focus on the following key elements.

Operation Sheet Reading and Laying Off Measurements
Operation Title: Reading Plan and Laying Off Measurements
Purpose : This activity will enable the student to read, understand and interpret plan.
Conditions or Situations for The Operation :
The following exercises are given to the student to further enhance their skills and unders
tanding in
using scales and laying off measurements. Figures involve a diagram for t
he student to draw in
scale; scale reading given that a mark is made in different drawing scales.
Equipment, Tools and Materials :

HB drawing pencil lead
4H drawing pencil lead
drawing scale
45º x 90º triangle
Eraser
T-square
Drawing table
Drawing papers
Procedure:
1. Set up your drawing paper on top of the drawing board.
2. Use the drawing template format given to you by your teacher.
3. Be sure to check the sharpness of your pencil lead. Use standard
Precautions :
1. Some of the instruments are pointed objects, observe standard safety of works.
2. Place the drawing instruments in a safe location when in idle.
3. Observe proper posture of body in drafting works to avoid if not minimize
body stress.
Quality Criteria :
1. Guidelines to be should be almost invisible. Do not erase the guidelines as
it adds aesthetic looks to the drafting works.
2. Uniform line weight and intensity or darkness of pencil lead.
3. Proper spacing and height-to-width ratio of lettering works.
4. Observe neatness of workmanship.

LAP Test Reading Plan and Laying off Measurements
Name: _____________________________ Date: ________________

Time started: ________________________ Time finished: ________________
Instructions:
1. Using the drawing instrument, you are required to do the following exercise:
Exercise 1 : The diagram shows a rough plan of the road. Read

Record all informations found on the Plan
Materials.
HB drawing pencil lead
4H drawing pencil lead
Eraser
T-square
Drawing table
Drawing papers
3. You are given 1 hour to accomplish the above activity.
4. Request your teacher for evaluation and feedback.

Reference
 Road Work Theory and Practice
 Building Rural Roads, Bjorn Johannessen
 SADC Guideline on Low-volume Sealed Roads
 Handbook of Road Te,
 Contractor's Handbook, Roads Training School, Zambia
 “Gravel Roads, Maintenance and Design Manual”, US Department of Transportation, Federal

Basic Infrastructure Operations NTQF Level I: Anrs Tved Bureau Education and Training Core Process

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ANRS TVED Bureau

Education and Training Core Process

BASIC INFRASTRUCTURE OPERATIONS

Unit of Competence: Read and Interpret Plans,

LO2: Check changes to drawing

LO3: Locate and identify key features on a site plan

LO4: Read and interpret job specifications

Learning Guide for Date: August ‎ ‎ 2016

Learning Guide for Date: August ‎ ‎ 2016

Learning Guide for Date: August ‎ ‎ 2016

1.3 Main access: connecting centres of provincial importance;

Learning Guide for Date: August ‎ ‎ 2016

1.1 Safety requirements of site and equipment

Learning Guide for Date: August ‎ ‎ 2016

 Serve as a reference to workers, architects or machinists.

1.3 Conventions of Drawing

Learning Guide for Date: August ‎ ‎ 2016

1 Dimension Line Indicates the length of an object

2 Extension Line Shows boundaries of a measurement

3 Visible (or Object) Line Shows Visible outlines of an object

4 Hatching Indicates surface in a section view

5 Leader (or Reference) Line Ties a dimension (or a label) to a feature

6 Hidden Line Indicates hidden outlines

7 Centre (or symmetry) Line Indicates the center of a circle

Learning Guide for Date: August ‎ ‎ 2016

Learning Guide for Date: August ‎ ‎ 2016

Use white erasers for plastic film, pink for paper.

450x450 triangle 300x600 triangle

Learning Guide for Date: August ‎ ‎ 2016

Terminology Used For Road Plans

Typical A drawing depicting features of a particular design, installation, construction

Plan view: - is the top or bird’s eye view of an object.

Learning Guide for Date: August ‎ ‎ 2016

The scale of plan can be shown in three works.

Graphical scale in meter

Learning Guide for Date: August ‎ ‎ 2016

Learning Guide for Date: August ‎ ‎ 2016

Short Answer Questions

1. The four most common views of

3. Type and Function of Line

Learning Guide for Date: August ‎ ‎ 2016

Name: ________________________ Date: _______________

Short Answer Questions

4. The four most common views of road plans are:

6. Type and Function of Line

Learning Guide for Date: August ‎ ‎ 2016

Definition = 1m2 is the area of a square having sides

whose length is 1m. Consequently every unit of length

can be converted into an area if it is multiplied by

This term/ area is mostly encountered in determining

the area to be:

Learning Guide for Date: August ‎ ‎ 2016

Learning Guide for Date: August ‎ ‎ 2016

measurement for volume is the cubic meter (m³)

This term is mostly encountered in determining the

amount of material to be:

– Used in the construction and compaction of a layer

The volume of liquid is normally measured in liters

The term is encountered in determining the amount of:

Learning Guide for Date: August ‎ ‎ 2016

Volumes are calculated by multiplying a base area

(e.g. m2) with a third dimension.

he volume of compacted material in a road layer is

Name: __________ Date: _