CEP233 | FUNDAMENTALS OF SURVEYING

CHAPTER 2
MEASUREMENT OF
HORIZONTAL DISTANCES

MODULE 5
TAPING CORRECTIONS
This module provides a deep analysis in the provisions of proper taping
corrections. These corrections are due to incorrect tape length, slope, alignment,
temperature, tension, sag, wind, normal tension, and combined corrections.

Objectives
• To understand the proper application of corrections to incorrect taping
practices.

5.1 Introduction

Taping operations could either be of the following: taping to determine an

unknown length or taping for the purpose of laying out a required or
specified length. Regardless of which of these two categories is involved,
there are some corrections which are applied to the original measurements
to determine the correct and more accurate length.

1st Rule: When a line is measured with a tape that is “too long”, the
corrections are applied to the observed length by adding.

2nd Rule: When a specified or required length is to be laid out with a tape
that is “too long”, the corrections are subtracted from the known length to
determine the corrected length to be laid out.

3rd Rule: When measuring or laying out lengths with a tape that is “too
short”, the corrections are applied opposite to those stated in the first two
rules.

Considering these three rules, the student should note carefully when a
correction should be added or subtracted. This should be given an

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important consideration especially when the tape used proves to be in

appreciable error from the standard.

During the process of measurement with a tape which is too long, a large
enough value could not be obtained such that a positive correction is
made. This means that if the tape is too long, it will take fewer tape lengths
to measure a distance than would be required for a shorter but correct
length of tape. These three rules could be easily remembered by the
following much shorter statement: “When measuring with tape too long,
add; tape too short, subtract. Do the reverse when laying out.”

The required degree of precision in taping will define the procedure of

measurement, equipment and accessories to be used, and the corrections
to be considered. The following conditions which could exist during a
taping operation may require the application of corrections.

1. The tape used is not of standard or nominal length due to either faults in
their manufacture, or damage caused by kinks, bends, cuts, and splices on
the tape.

2. Ends of the tape are not held at the same level when “breaking tape”
along inclined or rough terrain surfaces or when undertaking slope taping.

3. Inaccuracy in keeping the tape along a straight line during the

measurement or in laying out of lengths.

4. Tape is not of nominal length due to the difference in temperature

prevailing during the actual measurement and the temperature for which
the tape was standardized.

5. Shortening of lengthening of the tape due to the application of a pull on

its ends which differs significantly from the pull applied on the tape during
standardization.

6. Distance between the end points of an unsupported length of tape is less

than the specified nominal length due to the effect of sag or a strong
blowing side wind.

5.2 Corrections due to Incorrect Tape Length

Manufacturers of assorted measuring tapes do not usually guarantee their

products to be exactly their correct length. These tapes rarely correspond

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exactly with its specified nominal length since they may actually be slightly
shorter or longer. This is often due to imperfections in their manufacture,
stretching, or wear. Also, due to constant use tapes become worn, kinked,
and may be improperly repaired when breaks occur

The absolute value for the correction per tape length (Corr) is determined
from the difference between the true or actual length of tape (TL) and the
nominal length of tape (NL) or:

𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟 = 𝑇𝐿 − 𝑁𝐿

This discrepancy is normally assumed to be distributed uniformly throughout

the tape and is directly proportional to the fractional segment of the tape
used. In previous equation, when the resulting difference is a positive value,
the tape used is too long; and is too short, if negative. Correspondingly,
corrected distances which are measured or laid out with a tape that is too
long or too short can be determined from the following equations:

𝑀𝐿
𝐶𝑙 = 𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟 ( )
𝑁𝐿
𝐶𝐿 = 𝑀𝐿 ± 𝐶𝑙

Where:

𝐶𝑙 = 𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑟 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑙𝑎𝑖𝑑 𝑜𝑢𝑡

𝐶𝐿 = 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑟 𝑙𝑎𝑖𝑑 𝑜𝑢𝑡
𝑀𝐿 = 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑟 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑙𝑎𝑖𝑑 𝑜𝑢𝑡
𝑁𝐿 = 𝑛𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑎𝑝𝑒

An incorrect length of tape introduces an error each time the tape is used
and is classified as a systematic error. It is therefore advisable to periodically
calibrate tape lengths if accurate measurements are desired. When a big
number of measuring tapes is used, it is wise to have at least one
standardized tape that is kept only to check the lengths of the other tapes
which are regularly employed in the field.

5.3 Corrections due to Slope

When distances are measured along the slope, the equivalent horizontal
distance may correspondingly be determined by applying an approximate
slope correction.

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Where:

𝑠 = 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐵

ℎ = 𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐵
𝑑 = 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑡 ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝐴𝐶
𝐶ℎ = 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒

𝐶ℎ = 𝑠 − 𝑑

In figure 9-1, the correction for slope is derived by using the Pythagorean
Theorem. Since triangle ABC is a right triangle:

𝑠 2 = 𝑑 2 + ℎ2

Transporting terms and factoring out:

ℎ2 = 𝑠 2 − 𝑑 2 = (𝑠 − 𝑑)(𝑠 + 𝑑)

Since Ch = (s – d), therefore:

ℎ2 = 𝐶ℎ (𝑠 + 𝑑 )
𝑜𝑟
ℎ2
𝐶ℎ =
(𝑠 + 𝑑)

For gentle slopes it is safe to assume that the slope distance (s) is
approximately equal to the horizontal distance (d) or:

ℎ2
𝐶ℎ =
2𝑠

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It will be sufficiently precise to subtract this correction since the equation

gives correct answers to hundredths of a meter for a 30-m tape. A slope is
classified as gentle when it is not greater than 20%. This means a rise or fall
of 20 units in a horizontal distance of 100 units. The slope is calculated by
dividing the difference in elevation by the horizontal distance and
multiplying by 100% to obtain the slope in percent or:

ℎ
𝑆𝐿𝑂𝑃𝐸 = (100%)
𝑑

A plus or minus sign must be given to indicate if the slope is rising or falling,
respectively. By employing binomial expansion, the equation for slope
correction expands to:

ℎ2 ℎ4
𝐶ℎ = +
2𝑠 8𝑠 3

This equation, which now includes a second term, gives more precise results
and is used for steep slopes such as those ranging between 20% and 30%.

When very steep slopes are involved such as those greater than 30%, the
corresponding slope correction should be calculated by exact
trigonometric relations as follows:

ℎ
sin(𝜃 ) = , 𝑑 = 𝑠(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛳), 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶ℎ = 𝑠 − 𝑑
𝑠

Therefore:

𝐶ℎ = 𝑠 − 𝑠𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝜃 )
𝑜𝑟
𝐶ℎ = 𝑠(1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)

Since the last equation is an exact slope correction formula it may also be
employed for gentle or steep slopes.

The following, therefore, summarizes the different slope correction formulas

used when reducing slope measurements to equivalent horizontal
distances.

1. Gentle Slopes (Less than 20%)

ℎ2
𝐶ℎ =
2𝑠

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2. Steep Slopes (Between 20% and 30%)

ℎ2 ℎ4
𝐶ℎ = + 3
2𝑠 8𝑠

3. Very Steep Slopes (Greater than 30%)

𝐶ℎ = 𝑠(1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)

For any classification of slopes, the equivalent horizontal distance (d) is

determined by subtracting the slope correction Ch from the measured
slope distance (s) or:

𝑑 = 𝑠 − 𝐶ℎ

5.4 Corrections due to Alignment

It is usually difficult to keep the tape in percent alignment with the end
marks when taping through grass or when a strong wind is blowing. The
head tapeman is likely to set the zero end of the tape on one side and
sometimes on the other side of the correct line. The linear error due to
inaccuracy in alignment of a tape is similar to the effect of slope and can
be computed in the same manner. It is, however, easier to control and the
resulting error is much smaller in magnitude.

The correction due to incorrect alignment, Ca, can be calculated by

employing slope correction formulas. The only difference is that both h and
s are in the horizontal plane; that is, h is the distance the tape is off-line at
one end and s the length of tape used. Due to poor alignment, resulting
errors are systematic in effect and such errors make the measured length
slightly longer than the correct distance.

5.5 Corrections due to Temperature

The tape lengthens as the temperature rises and shortens as the

temperature falls. Any change in the length of a tape due to variations in
temperature is critical when undertaking precise measurements

Tapes used in surveying measurements are standardized at a specific

temperature. Since measurements are taken at temperatures which may
vary significantly from the temperature at which the tape was
standardized, tapes may be either too long or too short.

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Temperature variation is a source of variable systematic error and is in direct

proportion to the number of tape lengths measured. Errors caused by
variations in temperature follow definite physical laws and can be
computed and their effects reduced or eliminated by applying corrections.
In some instances it is difficult to determine accurately the required amount
of correction since the temperature of the tape may vary along its length
depending on dampness of the ground, the tape’s exposure to sun and
shade, and humidity of the air. If the temperature varies during the
measurement of a line, the error is cumulative so long as observed
temperatures are consistently below or above the value of the temperature
during standardization. However, if during the measurement some of the
observed temperatures are above or below Ts the errors tend to
compensate. The correction applied to the length of the tape due to
change in temperature CT is given by the formula:

𝐶𝑇 = 𝐶𝐿(𝑇 − 𝑇𝑆 )

In which C is the coefficient of linear expansion or the amount of change

in length per unit length per degree change in temperature, L is the length
of the tape or length of line measured, T is the observed temperature of the
tape at the time of measurement, and TS is the temperature at which the
tape was standardized.

The coefficient of linear expansion of the tape must be known when

computing the change in length of a tape is caused by change in
temperature. If the tape used is made of steel, the value of C is 0.0000116
per degree Celcius. Thus, for a 30-m tape, the change for 1 deg C will be
30 times 0.0000116 or 0.000348 m.

The value of Ts is usually taken as 20 deg Celcius. In determining the

temperature during taping (T), precise reading thermometers should only
be used. Tape thermometers are so designed that these could be
attached easily to the tape by means of clips. It is advisable to use two
thermometers which may be attached near each end of the tape. The
mean temperature reading should always be used when computing the
amount of correction. The resulting sign of CT will either positive or negative
and is added algebraically to the length measured to obtain the correct
length. A positive value will result if the temperature during the time of
measurement is greater than the temperature used during standardization.
This also means that the tape has lengthened or expanded and is thus

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described as too long. Correspondingly, a negative sign gives us the

opposite conclusions.

5.6 Corrections due to Tension

During calibration (or standardization) a tape is subjected to a certain

amount of standard pull or tension on its ends. When used in the field during
taping, it is elongated or shortened accordingly, depending on the amount
of pull applied to it. If the pull is greater than that for which it was calibrated,
the tape elongates and becomes too long. Correspondingly, it will stretch
less than its standard length when an insufficient pull is applied thus, making
it too short. An error in measurement results whenever the pull is applied is
different from the standard tension used in calibration.

To account for variations in applied tension, a correction has to be added

to or subtracted from the measured length. This correction for pull is a
function of the difference between the applied pull and the standard pull,
the measured length, the cross-sectional area of the tape, and the modulus
of elasticity of the tape material.

The tape stretches in an elastic manner and, since the modulus of elasticity
of a material can be expressed as the ratio of unit stress to unit elongation,
the change in length can be determined as follows:

𝑃
𝑈𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠
𝐸= =𝐴
𝐸𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑈𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑒
𝐿

By substituting the quantity, (Pm - Ps), to P, and computing for the value of
the elongation, e or Cp the following formula is obtained:

(𝑃𝑚 − 𝑃𝑠 )𝐿
𝐶𝑝 =
𝐴𝐸

And

𝐿′ = 𝐿 ± 𝐶𝑝

Where:

𝐶𝑝 = 𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑡𝑎𝑝𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑑𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑝𝑢𝑙𝑙 𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒

𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑑𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑝𝑢𝑙𝑙 𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑝𝑒 (𝑚)

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𝑃𝑚 = 𝑝𝑢𝑙𝑙 𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑝𝑒 𝑑𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 (𝑘𝑔)

𝑃𝑠 = 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑝𝑢𝑙𝑙 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑝𝑒 𝑜𝑟 𝑝𝑢𝑙𝑙 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑝𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 (𝑘𝑔)
𝐿 = 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 (𝑚)
𝐴 = 𝑐𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠 − 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑝𝑒 (𝑠𝑞. 𝑐𝑚)
𝑘𝑔
𝐸 = 𝑚𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑢𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑝𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑙 ( )
𝑠𝑞. 𝑐𝑚
𝐿′ = 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 (𝑚)

By measuring the thickness and width of a steel tape by means of a caliper,

its cross-sectional area can be determined. The cross-sectional area may
also be calculated by dividing the total weight (W) of the tape by product
of its length (L) and the unit weight of steel which is approximately 7.866x10-
3 kg/cm3. This is given by the following equation:

𝑊
𝐴=
𝐿(𝑈𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡)

The cross-sectional area of most light and heavy steel tapes which are 30
m long vary from about 0.02 to 0.06 sq.cm. The modulus of elasticity of a
steel tape usually varies from 2.00x106 to 2.10x106 kg/cm2.

5.7 Corrections due to Sag

A tape attains its correct length when it is fully supported and subjected to
the pull for which it was standardized. If the support is only at its ends or at
the two points measured, it will sag even if the standard pull is maintained
because of its own weight. The tape takes the form of a catenary when it
sags between points of support just as an electric or telephone wire which
hangs and swings loosely between posts.

Sag shortens the horizontal distance between end graduations since the
tape length remains the same. Thus, when a stretched tape sags, the
actual distance between the points is something less than the reading on

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the tape. The magnitude of the error due to sag depends on the weight of
the tape, the unsupported length, and the tension applied. What is given
importance is the reduced chord distance between the end graduations
and not the actual sag of a tape.

The correction due to sag is the difference in length between the arc
formed by the tape and the subtending chord. In determining this
correction, the arc is assumed to be a parabola, and is computed with
sufficient precision by the formula:

𝑤 2 𝐿3
𝐶𝑠 =
24𝑃2

Since W = wL or W2 = w2L2, and substituting this equation, we obtain:

𝑊2𝐿
𝐶𝑠 =
24𝑃2

Where:

𝐶𝑠 = 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑑𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑎𝑔 𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑝𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔

𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑠 (𝑚)
𝑘𝑔
𝑤 = 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑎𝑝𝑒 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ ( )
𝑚
𝑊 = 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑎𝑝𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑠 (𝑘𝑔)
𝐿 = 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑎𝑙 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑠 𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑢𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑎𝑝𝑒 (𝑚)
𝑃 = 𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑟 𝑝𝑢𝑙𝑙 𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑝𝑒 (𝑘𝑔)

Either of these two equations may be used in determining corrections due

to sag. Equation 1 is employed when the weight of tape per unit length (w)
is given, and the values of L and P are known. If instead the total weight of
tape between supports (W) is given, equation 2 is used.

5.8 Corrections due to Wind

A strong wind blowing perpendicular to the direction of taping will move

the middle and unsupported portion of the tape to one side of the line
measured. This introduces an error to the measurement which is like the
effect of sag but is usually much less. To avoid this type of error, it is
preferable not to undertake any taping work during windy days. If it cannot
be avoided and the measurement must be done on windy days, efforts

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should be taken to support the tape from being affected by the blowing
wind.

5.9 Normal Tension

By exerting a sufficiently greater amount of pull on the tape when it is

suspended and sagged, the tape will be stretched and a considerable
decrease in the amount of sag results. The applied pull which will lengthen
the tape to equal the shortening caused by sag is referred to as the normal
tension. Its magnitude can be computed for a particular tape or it can be
measured out in the field as follows:

a) Stretch the tape on a concrete pavement (or level ground) by applying

its prescribed standard pull, and mark its ends on the pavement.

b) Hold the tape above the ground by supporting it only at its ends, then,
pull the tape until the ends coincide with the marked points on the
pavement.

The normal tension is the amount of pull registered to make the end points
coincide with the marked points on the pavement. A spring balance should
be used in measuring this value.

Theoretically, the elongation due to increased tension can be made equal

to tension to the correction due to sag. This assumption is made since sag
produces a shortening effect on the tape, and an applied tension which
exceeds the standard pull lengthens the tape. Thus, these two quantities
can be regulated to cancel out their erroneous effects on a particular
measurement. The formula for normal tension is derived as follows:

𝐶𝑃 = 𝐶𝑆
(𝑃𝑚 − 𝑃𝑠 )𝐿 𝑊 2 𝐿
=
𝐴𝐸 24𝑃2
2
2
𝑊 𝐿𝐴𝐸 𝑊 2 𝐴𝐸
𝑃 = =
24(𝑃𝑚 − 𝑃𝑠 )𝐿 24(𝑃𝑚 − 𝑃𝑠 )
𝑊 2 𝐴𝐸 𝑊√𝐴𝐸 0.204𝑊√𝐴𝐸
𝑃=√ = =
24(𝑃𝑚 − 𝑃𝑠 ) 4.8989794√𝑃𝑚 − 𝑃𝑠 √𝑃𝑚 − 𝑃𝑠
𝐿𝑒𝑡: 𝑃𝑁 = 𝑃 = 𝑃𝑚

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𝟎. 𝟐𝟎𝟒𝑾√𝑨𝑬
𝑷𝑵 =
√𝑷𝑵 − 𝑷𝑺

Where:

𝑃𝑁 = 𝑁𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑢𝑙𝑙 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑎𝑔 (𝑘𝑔)
𝑊 = 𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑎𝑝𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑠 (𝑘𝑔)
𝐴 = 𝑐𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠 − 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑎𝑝𝑒 (𝑐𝑚2 )
𝑘𝑔
𝐸 = 𝑚𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑢𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑎𝑝𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑙 ( 2 )
𝑐𝑚
𝑃𝑆 = 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑝𝑢𝑙𝑙 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑝𝑒 (𝑘𝑔)

Since PN occurs on both sides of equation, normal tension is solved by trial

using successive approximations for PN. There are various methods which
could be employed to solve this equation. Two different methods are
shown in the accompanying illustrative problems for this lesson.

Normal tension only makes the tape its normal length and does not
compensate for cumulative errors. Its use may be preferred to making sag
corrections when suspended spans are measured with standard tension. In
precise surveys, it is applied with an accurate spring balance and other
taping accessories to control proper tension. However, normal tension is not
commonly used because it may be too large or convenient application
and is affected with changes in temperature.

5.10 Combined Corrections

The corrections for the effects of incorrect length of tape, temperature,

tension, slope, and sag may be combined as a single net correction per
tape length. Each correction is computed separately, and it is important to
identify which correction tends to make the tape too long or too short.

Since the sign of each correction can be determined during computation,

it is then a matter of adding these quantities algebraically to arrive at a
single and overall correction to lengths which are measured or laid out.
Combined corrections are usually determined on the basis of the nominal
tape length since each correction is relatively small and do not appreciably
affect each other. The resulting net correction per tape length may be
used as long as conditions remain constant during taping. Variation in
conditions may be due to changes in temperature during the day, non-
uniformity of pull exerted on the ends of the tap, the ground may be such

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that it becomes necessary to support the tape at variations intervals, and

some other factors which may affect the taping operations.

5.11 Surveys with Tape

The tape is not necessarily limited only to the measurement of distances.

There are various problems arising in surveying fieldwork which can be
solved just by the use of the tape. Some of these surveying operations
include:

1. Erecting Perpendicular to Line

There may be some instances when it would be necessary to erect on the

ground perpendicular to an established line. For example, when the floor
dimensions of a building or a road intersection are to be laid out, it
becomes necessary to erect perpendicular lines. Commonly employed for
such particular requirements are the chord-bisection method and the 3:4:5
method.

a) Chord-Bisection Method

It is required to erect a perpendicular to the line AB at point m. Two equal

lengths, mb and mc, are measured on each side of point m. With b as
center and taking any convenient lengths of tape as radius, an arc of a
circle is described. The same procedure is repeated at point c. The
intersection of the two arcs locate point d, and line dm is the desired
perpendicular to AB.

b) 3:4:5 Method

This method of erecting a perpendicular to a given line is illustrated in figure.

The method involves the setting up on the ground of a triangle whose three
sides are made in proportions of 3, 4, and 5. Point A is selected on line MN

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where a perpendicular is to be erected. From A and along line MN,

measure 3.0 m to set point B. Then, with the zero end of the tape held by
the first tapeman at B and the 10 m mark held by the second tapeman at
A, a loop is formed by the third tapeman to bring the 5 m and 6 m marks
together. The third tapeman then pulls each part of the tape taut to locate
point C on the ground. The line joining points A and C is the desired
perpendicular to line MN.

Although this task is better and easier performed by three tapeman, it is still
possible for just one person to perform the layout by fastening the tape ends
to stakes securely anchored at points A and B. Also, any other lengths in the
proportions of 3, 4, and 5 can be used such as 6:8:10, 9:12:15, and 12:16:20

2. Measuring Angles with Tape

A tape is not frequently used in engineering constructions for measuring or

laying out angles. There may be some occasions, however, when a
theodolite or transit is not readily available that the tape is instead used.
The measurement of very small angles with tape usually gives satisfactory
results. All angular measurements by tape are accomplished by the
applications of very basic geometric and trigonometric principles.

In figure, let it be required to measure the angle BOC (or ϴ). One way to do
it is to lay out any convenient length (L) along lines OB and OC to establish
points a and b. If the chord distance ab (or d) is measured and bisected,
the angle BOC can be computed as follows:

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𝑑
𝜃 (2)
sin ( ) =
2 𝐿

The equation is only valid if the length of Oa and Ob are equal. If unequal
lengths are laid out, as AB and AC in the next figure, then upon measuring
the distance BC, the angle BAC (or angle A) can be computed using any
of the following trigonometric equations:

(𝐴𝐶 )2 + (𝐴𝐵)2 − (𝐵𝐶)2

𝐶𝑜𝑠(𝐴) =
2(𝐴𝐶 )(𝐴𝐵)
𝐴 (𝑆 − 𝐴𝐶)(𝑆 − 𝐴𝐵)
𝑆𝑖𝑛 ( ) = √
2 (𝐴𝐶)(𝐴𝐵)

Where AB, AC, and BC are the sides of triangle ABC and S =
(AB+AC+BC)/2.

The accuracy of measuring angles with tape depends on the care taken
in laying out lengths and in establishing the needed points on the ground.
It would be difficult to measure angles when the terrain is very irregular or
where vegetation obstructs the desired measurement.

3. Laying Off Angles with Tape

There are different methods which may be used to lay off an angle using a
tape in figure. It is illustrated a method which employs a simple principle of

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trigonometry. Along line AB a convenient length, AP is first laid out. Then PP’
is erected perpendicular to the line at P by using a length which is
determined by multiplying the length of AP (or L) by the natural tangent of
the angle to be laid off or PP’ = L (tanϴ). Angle PAP’ (or ϴ) should give the
desired angle at A.

Another method requires the determination of a chord length which will

define the desired angle. In figure, it is required to lay off an angle mPn (or
ϴ) from line PA. The chord length is first determined from the equation d =
2Lsin(ϴ/2), where ϴ is the desired angle and L is any convenient length laid
out along line PA. Then, point m is established by laying out from P, and
along line PA, a convenient length of tape. The tape is then swung through
an arc and accordingly the arc traced is marked on the ground. With m
now as center, the computed chord length is also laid out and swung
through an arc, and its intersection with the first arc established point n. Line
mn is the required chord length, and the angle mPn is the desired angle.

4. Determining Obstructed Distances

In some instances, it may be possible to directly measure distances due to

an obstruction. The required length may also be inaccessible or difficult to
measure. The following are some of the indirect methods which could be
employed to determine obstructed or inaccessible distances.

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a) Point C is established at a convenient location away from the obstruction

and it is seen to it that lines AC and BC intersects at right angles. Both lines
are measured as accurately as possible. If A and B define the end points of
the required line, the length of line AB can be computed by the
Pythagorean theorem.

𝐴𝐵 = √𝐴𝐶 2 + 𝐵𝐶 2

b) The length of line AB in figure could not be determined because of an

obstruction somewhere at the middle of the line. To determine its length,
the head tapeman anchors one end of the tape at B and swings it using
any convenient radius. The rear tapeman positions himself at point A and
lines in the other end of the tape with a distant point as D and directs the
marking of points a and b on the ground where the end of the tape crosses
line AD. The mid-point of the line ab is located to establish point C. With line
BC established perpendicular to line AC, the length of AB can be indirectly
determined also by the Pythagorean theorem since AC and BC are known.

c) In figure, the length of AB can be determined due to the similarity of

triangles ABD and BCD. A line BD of predetermined length is first established
perpendicular to line ABC. The length of line BC is then measured and AB is
computed as follows:

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𝐴𝐵 𝐵𝐷 𝐵𝐷 2
= 𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝐵 =
𝐵𝐷 𝐵𝐶 𝐵𝐶

d) The length of AB in figure is determined by using the tangent function of

trigonometry. At a convenient location along the shore line, AC is set out
perpendicular to AB and its length measured. With the use of a tape, angle
BCA is determined by the chord method. The required length is then
determined as follows:

𝐴𝐵 = (𝐴𝐶 )tan (𝜃𝐵𝐶𝐴)

e) In figure, point C is established at a suitable location away from the

obstruction and the lengths of AC and BC are measured. On the extension
of both lines, points D and E are established such that CD = (AC)/2 and CE
= (BC)/2. The length of AB is parallel to and twice the length of DE which
can be measured.

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f) The method illustrated in figure, is one where two lines, BD, and CE, are
established perpendicular to the line ABC. The distance between the two
perpendiculars (or BC) is measured and with points D and E both lined up
with A, the length of AB can then be determined by similarity of triangles or:

𝐴𝐵 𝐴𝐵 + 𝐵𝐶
= ; 𝐴𝐵(𝐶𝐸) = 𝐵𝐷 (𝐴𝐵 + 𝐵𝐶 )
𝐵𝐷 𝐶𝐸
𝐴𝐵(𝐶𝐸) = 𝐵𝐷(𝐴𝐵) + 𝐵𝐷(𝐵𝐶 )
𝐴𝐵(𝐶𝐸) − 𝐵𝐷 (𝐴𝐵) = 𝐵𝐷(𝐵𝐶 )
𝐴𝐵(𝐶𝐸 − 𝐵𝐷 ) = 𝐵𝐷(𝐵𝐶 )
(𝐵𝐷)(𝐵𝐶)
𝐴𝐵 =
(𝐶𝐸 − 𝐵𝐷)

g) In figure, it is required to determine the length of line AB which apparently

could not be measured directly because of an intervening body of water.
The required length is determined by establishing a line CD which is parallel
to and equal in length to AB. In this method, perpendicular offsets AC and
BD are established by tape. If AC and BD are equal in length, CD, when
measured, should be equal to the length of AB.

h) In figure, the obstructed length of AB may be indirectly determined if the

length DE can be measured. In this method, point C is first selected such
that it is a certain distance away from the obstructed line. The lengths of

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AC and BC are then measured and their respective middle points (D and
E) established. The length of AB is twice that of DE.

i) One convenient method of getting around obstructions such as a large

building, involves using an equilateral triangle as illustrated in figure. From
the prolongation of the preceding line, a 60-degree angle is laid off at A
and a sufficient length is laid out to clear the obstruction. Another 60-
degree angle is laid off at C and the distance CB is taped equal to AC.
Points B should fall on the prolongation of the original line and the
measurement may be continued further. The length of AB should be equal
to either AC or CB.

j) Shown in figure, is a typical problem encountered when determining the

width of a stream or a wide river. Here, BD is set out perpendicular to the
required length and point C is located at its mid-length. DE is next set out
perpendicular to BD and point E is located so that it is in line with points A
and C. If the length of DE is accurately measured, it should be equal to the
length of the required line AB.

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SAMPLE PROBLEMS:

E5-1 MEASUREMENTS WITH TAPE. The tape length of line AB measured with a 50-
m tape is 465.285 m. When the tape is compared with a standardized invar
tape it is found to be 0.016 m too long in almost the same conditions of
support, tension, and temperature that existed during measurement of the
line. Determine the correct length of AB.

Solution:

𝑁𝐿 = 50 𝑚
𝑀𝐿 = 465.285 𝑚
𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟 = 0.016 𝑚
𝐶𝑙 𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟 𝑀𝐿 (465.285 𝑚)
= ; 𝐶𝑙 = 𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟 ( ) = 0.016 𝑚 = 𝟎. 𝟏𝟒𝟗 𝒎
𝑀𝐿 𝑁𝐿 𝑁𝐿 50 𝑚
𝐶𝐿 = 𝑀𝐿 ± 𝐶𝑙 = 465.285 𝑚 + 0.149 𝑚 = 𝟒𝟔𝟓. 𝟒𝟑𝟒 𝒎

𝑁𝑂𝑇𝐸: 𝐼𝑛 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔, 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑝𝑒 𝑢𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑠 𝑡𝑜𝑜 𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑑𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑑
𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑡𝑜 𝑑𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒.

E5-2 LAYINGOUT DIMENSIONS WITH TAPE. A building 38 m x 45 m is to be laid out

with a 50 m long metallic tape. If during standardization the tape is found
to be only 49.950 m, determine the following:

a) Dimensions to be laid out, using this tape, in order that the building shall
have the desired dimensions.
b) Using the same tape, what should the diagonals read?

Solution:

𝑁𝐿 = 50 𝑚
𝑊 = 38 𝑚
𝐿 = 45 𝑚
𝐷𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐷𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝐷𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠:

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𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟 = 49.950 𝑚 − 50 𝑚 = −0.05 𝑚

𝑊 38 𝑚
𝐶𝑊 = 𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟 ( ) = 0.05 𝑚 ( ) = 0.038 𝑚
𝑁𝐿 50 𝑚
𝐿 45 𝑚
𝐶𝐿 = 𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟 ( ) = 0.05 𝑚 ( ) = 0.045 𝑚
𝑁𝐿 50 𝑚
𝑊 ′ = 𝑊 ± 𝐶𝑊 = 38 𝑚 + 0.038 𝑚 = 𝟑𝟖. 𝟎𝟑𝟖 𝒎
𝐿′ = 𝐿 ± 𝐶𝐿 = 45 𝑚 + 0.045 𝑚 = 𝟒𝟓. 𝟎𝟒𝟓 𝒎
𝐷𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝐷𝑖𝑎𝑔𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙
𝐷 = √(𝑊 ′ )2 + (𝐿′ )2 = √(38.038 𝑚)2 + (45.045 𝑚)2 = 𝟓𝟖. 𝟗𝟓𝟕 𝒎

𝑁𝑂𝑇𝐸: 𝐼𝑛 𝑙𝑎𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑑𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠, 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑝𝑒 𝑢𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑠 𝑡𝑜𝑜 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑡, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑑𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ
𝑜𝑟 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑙𝑎𝑖𝑑 𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑜𝑏𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑑𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠

E5-3 CORRECTION DUE TO SLOPE. Slope distances AB and BC measures 330.49 m

and 660.97 m, respectively. The differences in elevations are 12.22 m for
points A and B, and 10.85 m for points B and C. Using the approximate slope
correction formula for gentle slopes, determine the horizontal length of line
ABC. Assume that line AB has a rising slope and BC a falling slope.

Solution:

𝑠1 = 330.49 𝑚
ℎ1 = 12.22 𝑚
𝑠2 = 660.97 𝑚
ℎ2 = 10.85 𝑚
2
ℎ1 (12.22 𝑚)2
𝑑1 = 𝑠1 − = 330.49 𝑚 − = 330.26 𝑚
2𝑠1 2(330.49 𝑚)
ℎ2 2 (10.85 𝑚)2
𝑑2 = 𝑠2 − = 660.97 𝑚 − = 660.88 𝑚
2𝑠2 2(660.97 𝑚)
𝑑 = 𝑑1 + 𝑑2 = 330.26 𝑚 + 660.88 𝑚 = 𝟗𝟗𝟏. 𝟏𝟒 𝒎

E5-4 CORRECTION DUE TO TEMPERATURE. A steel tape with a coefficient of linear

expansion of 0.0000116/°C is known to be 50 m long at 20°C. The tape was

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used to measure a line which was found to be 532.28 m long when the
temperature was 35°C. Determine the following:

a) Temperature correction per tape length.

b) Temperature correction for the measured line.
c) Correct length of the line.

Solution:

0.0000116
𝐶𝑇 = 𝐶𝐿(𝑇 − 𝑇𝑆 ) = (50 𝑚)(35 − 20)°𝐶 = +𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟖𝟕 𝒎
°𝐶
0.0000116
𝐶′𝑇 = 𝐶𝐿(𝑇 − 𝑇𝑆 ) = (532.28 𝑚)(35 − 20)°𝐶 = +𝟎. 𝟎𝟗𝟐𝟔 𝒎
°𝐶
𝑆𝑂𝐿𝑈𝑇𝐼𝑂𝑁 𝐶𝐻𝐸𝐶𝐾: (𝑈𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)
𝐶′𝑇 𝐶𝑇
=
532.28 𝑚 50 𝑚
0.0087 𝑚
𝐶′𝑇 = (532.28 𝑚) = +𝟎. 𝟎𝟗𝟐𝟔 𝒎
50 𝑚
𝐿′ = 𝐿 ± 𝐶′𝑇 = 532.28 𝑚 + 0.0926 𝑚 = 𝟓𝟑𝟐. 𝟑𝟕 𝒎

𝑁𝑂𝑇𝐸: 𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑑𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑡𝑎𝑝𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑡𝑜𝑜 𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑢𝑏𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑡𝑎𝑝𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑡𝑜𝑜 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑡

E5-5 CORRECTION DUE TO TENSION. A heavy 50-m tape having a cross sectional
area of 0.05 cm2 has been standardized at a tension of 5.5 kg. If E = 2.10x106
kg/cm2, determine the elongation of the tape if a pull of 12 kg is applied.

Solution:

(𝑃𝑚 − 𝑃𝑠 )𝐿 (12 − 5.5)𝑘𝑔 (50 𝑚)

𝐶𝑃 = = = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟑 𝒎
𝐴𝐸 2 6 𝑘𝑔
0.05 𝑐𝑚 (2.10𝑥10 )
𝑐𝑚2

E5-6 CORRECTIONS DUE TO SAG. A 30-m tape is supported only at its ends and
under a steady pull of 8 kg. If the tape weights 0.91 kg, determine the sag
correction and the correct distance between the ends of the tape.

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Solution:

𝐿 = 30 𝑚
𝑃 = 8 𝑘𝑔
𝑊 = 0.91 𝑘𝑔
𝑊 𝐿 (0.91 𝑘𝑔)2 (30 𝑚)
2
𝐶𝑆 = = = 0.0162 𝑚
24𝑃2 24(8 𝑘𝑔)2
𝐿′ = 𝐿 − 𝐶𝑆 = 30 𝑚 − 0.0162 𝑚 = 𝟐𝟗. 𝟗𝟖𝟑𝟖 𝒎

𝑁𝑂𝑇𝐸: 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑎𝑔 𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑎𝑝𝑒. 𝐻𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛
𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑝𝑒 𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑑𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑠𝑢𝑏𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑔 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒
𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑟 𝑛𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ.

E5-7 CORRECTION DUE TO SAG. A 50-m steel tape weighing 0.035 kg/m is
constantly supported at mid-length and at its end points and is used to
measure a line AB with a steady pull of 6.5 kg. If the measured length of AB
is 1268.256 m, determine the following:

a) Correction due to sag between supports and for the whole tape length.
b) Total sag correction for the whole length measured.
c) Correct length of line AB.

Solution:

𝐿 = 50 𝑚 ; 𝐿𝟏 = 25 𝑚 ; 𝐿2 = 25 𝑚

𝑃 = 6.5 𝑘𝑔
𝑘𝑔
𝑤 = 0.035
𝑚
𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝐴𝐵 = 1268.256 𝑚

𝐷𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑔 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑠

𝑘𝑔
𝑊 = 𝑤𝐿 = 0.035 ( ) (50 𝑚) = 1.75 𝑘𝑔
𝑚
𝑘𝑔
𝑊1 = 𝑤𝐿1 = 0.035 ( ) (25 𝑚) = 0.875 𝑘𝑔
𝑚

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𝑘𝑔
𝑊2 = 𝑤𝐿2 = 0.035 ( ) (25 𝑚) = 0.875 𝑘𝑔
𝑚
𝑊 = 𝑊1 + 𝑊2
1.75 𝑘𝑔 = 0.875 𝑘𝑔 + 0.875 𝑘𝑔
1.75 𝑘𝑔 = 1.75 𝑘𝑔
2
𝑊1 𝐿1 (0.875 𝑘𝑔)2 (25 𝑚)
𝐶𝑠1 = = = 0.0189 𝑚
24𝑃2 24(6.5 𝑘𝑔)2
𝑊2 2 𝐿2 (0.875 𝑘𝑔)2 (25 𝑚)
𝐶𝑠2 = = = 0.0189 𝑚
24𝑃 2 24(6.5 𝑘𝑔)2
𝐶𝑠𝑇 = 𝐶𝑠1 + 𝐶𝑠2 = 0.0189 + 0.0189 = 0.0378 𝑚

𝐷𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑎𝑔 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒

𝐵𝑦 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛:

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐶𝑠 𝐶𝑠
=
𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝐴𝐵 𝐿
𝐶𝑠 0.0378 𝑚
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐶𝑠 = (𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝐴𝐵) = (1268.256 𝑚) = 0.9588 𝑚
𝐿 50 𝑚
𝐷𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵

𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐵 = 𝑀𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ − 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐶𝑠

𝐶𝐿 = 1268.256 𝑚 − 0.9588𝑚 = 𝟏𝟐𝟔𝟕. 𝟐𝟗𝟕𝟐 𝒎

E5-8 NORMAL TENSION. A steel tape weighing 0.85 kg has a cross-sectional area
of 0.05 cm2. The tape measures exactly 30.00 m when supported
throughout its length under a standard pull of 5.5 kg. If the modulus of
elasticity is 2.10x106 kg/cm2, determine the tension required to make the
tape equal to its nominal length when supported only at the end points.

Solution:

𝑘𝑔
𝐿 = 30.00 𝑚 ; 𝑊 = 0.85 𝑘𝑔 ; 𝐴 = 0.05 𝑐𝑚2 ; 𝑃𝑆 = 5.5 𝑘𝑔 ; 𝐸 = 2.10𝑥106
𝑐𝑚2

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𝑘𝑔
0.204𝑊√𝐴𝐸 0.204(0.85 𝑘𝑔)√(0.05 𝑐𝑚2 ) (2.10𝑥106 ) 56.188
𝑐𝑚2
𝑃𝑁 = = =
√𝑃𝑁 − 𝑃𝑆 √𝑃𝑁 − 5.5 𝑘𝑔 √𝑃𝑁 − 5.5 𝑘𝑔
𝑇𝑟𝑦 𝑃𝑁 = 15.00 𝑘𝑔
56.188
15.00 𝑘𝑔 =
√15.00 𝑘𝑔 − 5.5 𝑘𝑔
15.00 𝑘𝑔 ≠ 18.23 𝑘𝑔
𝑇𝑟𝑦 𝑃𝑁 = 17.00 𝑘𝑔
56.188
17.00 𝑘𝑔 =
√17.00 𝑘𝑔 − 5.5 𝑘𝑔
17.00 𝑘𝑔 ≠ 16.57 𝑘𝑔
𝑇𝑟𝑦 𝑃𝑁 = 16.50 𝑘𝑔
56.188
16.50 𝑘𝑔 =
√16.50 𝑘𝑔 − 5.5 𝑘𝑔
16.50 𝑘𝑔 ≠ 16.94 𝑘𝑔
𝑇𝑟𝑦 𝑃𝑁 = 16.75 𝑘𝑔
56.188
16.75 𝑘𝑔 =
√16.75 𝑘𝑔 − 5.5 𝑘𝑔
16.75 𝑘𝑔 = 16.75 𝑘𝑔
𝑷𝑵 = 𝟏𝟔. 𝟕𝟓 𝒌𝒈

E5-9 COMBINED CORRECITONS. A line was determined to be 2395.25 m when

measured with a 30 m steel tape supported throughout its length under a
pull of 4 kg and at a mean temperature of 35 °C. Determine the correct
length of the line if the tape used is of standard length at 20 °C under a pull
of 5 kg. The cross-sectional area of the tape is 0.03 sq.cm, its coefficient of
linear expansion is 0.0000116/1°C, and modulus of elasticity of steel is
2.0x106 kg/sq.cm.

Solution:

0.0000116
𝐶𝑇 = 𝐶𝐿(𝑇 − 𝑇𝑆 ) = (2395.25 𝑚)(35 − 20)°𝐶 = +0.42 𝑚
°𝐶
(𝑃𝑚 − 𝑃𝑠 )𝐿 (4 − 5)𝑘𝑔(2395.25 𝑚)
𝐶𝑃 = = = −0.04 𝑚
𝐴𝐸 𝑘𝑔
0.003 𝑐𝑚2 (2.0𝑥106 )
𝑐𝑚2
𝐿′ = 𝐿 ± 𝐶𝑇 ± 𝐶𝑃 = 2395.25 𝑚 + 0.42 𝑚 − 0.04 𝑚 = 𝟐𝟑𝟗𝟓. 𝟔𝟑 𝒎

E5-10 MEASURING ANGLES WITH TAPE. The angle between two intersecting fences
is to be determined with a tape. A point on each fence line is established

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30.0 m from the point of intersection. If the distance between the

established points is 12.20 m, what is the intersection angle?

Solution:

𝛼 6.10 𝑚
sin ( ) = = 0.203333
2 30.0 𝑚
𝜶 = 𝟐𝟑°𝟐𝟕′𝟓𝟎′′

E5-11 OBSTRUCTED DISTANCES. In figure, lines NQ and PR are established

perpendicular to line MNP, and points Q and R are lined up with the distant
point M. If NQ = 318.55 m, PR = 475.62 m, and NP = 210.38 m, determine the
length of MN which represents the width of the river.

Solution:

𝐵𝑦 𝑆𝑖𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑇𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒𝑠:

𝑀𝑁 𝑁𝑃
=
𝑁𝑄 𝑃𝑅 − 𝑁𝑄
𝑁𝑃(𝑁𝑄) 210.38 𝑚(318.55 𝑚)
𝑀𝑁 = = = 𝟒𝟐𝟔. 𝟔𝟕 𝒎
𝑃𝑅 − 𝑁𝑄 475.62 𝑚 − 318.55 𝑚

Modular Questions

M5-1 SLOPE TAPING. A horizontal distance of 325.75 m is to be established along

a line that slopes at a vertical angle of 13°06’. What slope distance should
be laid out?

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M5-2 MEASUREMENTS WITH TAPE. A rectangular lot was measured using a 50-m
steel tape which was found to be 0.025 m too short. If the recorded length
and width of the lot are 180.455 m and 127.062 m, respectively, determine
the following:

a) Actual dimensions of the lot.

b) Error in area introduced due to the erroneous length of tape.

M5-3 CORRECTION DUE TO SLOPE. A line AB cannot be measured directly

because of an obstruction on line. Accordingly, the two lines AC and CB
were measured as 2,400.850 m and 1,320.420 m, respectively. Point C was
set at a perpendicular distance of 155 m from point D on line AB. Using the
approximate slope correction formula for steep slopes, determine the
length of AB.

M5-4 CORRECTION DUE TO TEMPERATURE. A steel tape, known to be of standard

length at 20°C, is used in laying out a runway 2,500.00 m long. If its
coefficient of linear expansion is 0.0000116/1°C, determine the temperature
correction and the correct length to be laid out when the temperature is
42°C.

M5-5 CORRECTION DUE TO TENSION. A 30-m steel tape weighing 1.45 kg is of

standard length under a pull of 5 kg, supported for full length. The tape was
used in measuring a line 938.55 m long on smooth level ground under a
steady pull of 10 kg. Assuming E = 2.0x106 kg/cm2 and the unit weight of
steel to be 7.9x10-3 kg/cm3, determine the following:

a) cross-sectional area of the tape.

b) correction for increase in tension.
c) correct length of the line measured.

M5-6 CORRECTION DUE TO SAG. A 50-m steel tape weighs 0.04 kg/m and is
supported at its end points and at the 8-m and 25-m marks. If a pull of 6 kg
is applied, determine the following:

a) Correction due to sag between the 0-m and 8-m marks, 8-m and 25-m
marks, and the 25-m and 50-m marks.
b) Correction due to sag for one tape length.
c) Correct distance between the ends of the tape.

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M5-7 NORMAL TENSION. A steel tape having a cross-sectional area of 0.06 cm2
and a modulus of elasticity of 2.0x106 kg/cm2, weighs 0.03 kg/m. Its length
is 30.00 m when standardized at a pull of 5 kg and supported throughout its
length. Determine the tension at which the effect of sag will be eliminated
by the elongation of the tape due to increased tension.

M5-8 COMBINED CORRECTIONS. A 50-m steel tape is of standard length under a

pull of 5.5 kg when supported throughout its entire length. The tape weighs
0.05 kg/m has a cross-sectional area of 0.04 sq.cm, and being made of
steel, its modulus of elasticity is 2.10x106 kg/cm2. This tape was used in the
field to measure a distance that was determined to be 458.650 m. At the
time the measurement was made, the constant pull applied was 8 kg with
the tape supported only at its end points. Determine the correct length of
the line.

References
La Putt, J.P. (1987). Elementary Surveying (3rd ed.). Baguio City, Philippines:
Baguio Research & Publishing Center

Disclaimer
This module may contain copyrighted material, the use of which may not
have been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. However, this
module was created and made to serve as a tool for educational purposes
only and will be distributed without any profit.

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