To Measure The Length Of Closed Traverse By Ranging

1. Apparatus:
 Ranging Rod
 Measuring Tape
2. Related Theory:
2.1 Ranging: The process of locating intermediate points on survey line is known as ranging.
When a survey line is longer than a chain length, it is necessary to align intermediate points on
chain line so that the measurements are
along the line.
2.2 TYPES OF RANGING:
There are two types of Ranging
1. Direct Method: When two ends of Survey
line or stations are inter-visible. If the first
and last points are inter visible this method is
possible. Figure shows the inter
visible stations A and B in which an
intermediate point C is to be located. Point C is selected at a distance slightly less than a chain
length. At points A and B ranging rods are fixed. The assistant holds another ranging rod near C.
Surveyor positions himself approximately 2 m behind station A and looking along line AB directs
the assistant to move at right angles to the line AB till he aligns the ranging rod along AB. Then
surveyor instructs the assistant to mark that point and stretch the chain along AC.

Indirect or Reciprocal Levelling When two ends

of Survey Line or stations are not inter-visible.
Due to intervening ground, if the ranging rod at
B is not visible from station A, reciprocal ranging
may be resorted. Figure shows this scheme of
ranging. It needs two assistants one at point M
and another at point N, where from those points
both station A and station B are visible. It needs one surveyor at A and another at B. To start with M and
N are approximately selected, say M1 and N1. Then surveyor near end A ranges person near M to
position M2 such that AM2N1 are in a line. Then surveyor at B directs person at N, to move to N2 such
that BN2M2 are in a line. The process is repeated till AMNB are in a line.

3. Traverse:

Traverse is a method in the field of surveying to establish control networks. Traverse networks

involve placing survey stations along a line or path of travel, and then using the previously

surveyed points as a base for observing the next point. The points defining the ends of the
traverse lines are called the traverse stations.
TYPES OF TRAVERSE:
There are two types of Traverses.
1. Closed Traverse
2. Open Traverse
Closed Traverse: When a series of connected lines form a closed circuit i.e., when finishing
point coincides with starting point of survey, then the formed traverse is called as Closed
Traverse.
Suitable for survey of boundaries of ponds, forests etc. Closed traverses, whether they return to
the starting point or not, provide checks on the
measured angles and distances. Because of this
ability to check the measurements, closed traverses
are more desirable. Closed traverses are used
extensively in control, construction, property, and
topographic surveys.

OPEN TRAVERSE:
When a series of connected lines don’t form a
closed circuit i.e., when finishing point does not coincide with starting point of survey, then the
formed traverse is called as Open Traverse.
Suitable for survey of roads, rivers, coast lines etc. A traverse is a form of control survey used in a
wide variety of engineering and property surveys.
Essentially, traverses are a series of established
stations tied together by angle and distance.
Angles are measured by theodolites or total stations; the distances can be measured by electronic
distance measurement (EDM) instruments, sometimes by steel tapes. Traverses can be open, as in route
surveys, or closed, as in closed geometric figures

4. Ranging road
Ranging road is a surveying instrument used for marking the
position of stations and for sightings of those stations. It is also
used for ranging straight lines. It is of 2 meters or 6 feet
generally.

5. Measuring Tape
Tapes are used in surveying to take linear measurements. They are available in different lengths
and can be made of different materials. The 5 most common types of tapes used in surveying
are discussed in this article.

5.1 Types of Tapes Used in Surveying

There are 5 types of tapes available in surveying for linear measurements and they are
as follows :

1. Linen Tape
2. Woven Metallic Tape
3. Steel Tape
4. Synthetic Tape
5. Invar Tape

1. Linen Tape

Linen tape, also known as cloth tape is a varnished

strip made of closely woven linen. The width of the
strip is about 12 to 16 mm. It is available in different
lengths such as 10m, 20m, 30m, and 50m. Both ends of
the linen tape are provided with metallic handles and
the whole tape is wounded in leather or metal case.
Linen tapes are light in weight and easy to handle.
These tapes may shrink when exposed to water and
also elongate when pulled. Hence, these tapes are not
suitable for accurate surveying measurements. These
are generally used for measuring offsets and for
ordinary works.
 2. Woven Metallic Tape

The metallic woven tape is an improved version of linen

tape. Brass or copper made wires are used as
reinforcement for the linen material. Hence, it is more
durable than normal linen tape. A brass ring is provided at
the end of the tape which is included in the length of the
tape.

3. Steel Tape

A steel tape is made of steel or stainless steel. It consists of a steel

strip of 6mm to 16mm wide. It is available in lengths of 1m, 5m,
8m, 10m, 20m, 30m and 50m. Meters, decimeters, and
centimeters are graduated in the steel strip. Steel tapes generally
came up with the metal case with automatic winding device. The
tape is withdrawn from the case by using a hand during measuring
and it is rewound into the case by just pressing button provided on
the case.
Steel tapes are not flexible and are suitable for measuring leveled surfaces only. They may
corrode easily when exposed to moisture and to prevent this tape, it should be cleaned and
oiled after every use. These tapes are generally used for standardizing chains, measurements of
constriction works, etc.

4. Synthetic Tape

Synthetic tapes are made of glass fibers coated with PVC. These are
light in weight and flexible. They are available in lengths of 5m, 10m,
20m, 30m, and 50m. Synthetic tapes may stretch when subjected to
tension. Hence, these are not suitable for accurate surveying works.
However, synthetic tapes are recommended in place of steel tapes
where it is essential to take measurements in the vicinity of electric fences and railway lines, etc

5. Invar Tape

Invar tapes are made of an alloy which consists of 36% of

nickel and 64% of steel. Invar tape contains a 6mm wide
strip and is available in different lengths of 30m, 50m,
100m.The coefficient of thermal expansion of invar alloy is
very low. It is not affected by changes in temperature.
Hence, these tapes are used for high precision works in
surveying such as baseline measurement, triangulation
surveys, etc. Invar tapes are expensive than all the other
types of tapes. These tapes should be handled with care otherwise bends or kinks may be
formed.

6. SITE PLAN

7. Calculations And observations:

Sr.no STATIONS Length

FROM - TO (Intermediate points) Total

in ft Length(ft)

01. A-B 100+82.6 182.6

02. B-C 100+42.9 142.9

03. C-D 100+100+34.11 234.11

04. D-E 100+86 186

05. E-F 100+3.7 103.7

06. F-G 100+42.1 142.1

07. G-H 100+58.5 158.5

08. H-A 100+73.3 173.3

TOTAL 1,323.21 ft

8. Procedure:

1. A and B be the two points at the ends of a survey line.

2. One ranging rod is erected at the B while surveyor stands with another ranging rod at
point A
3. The assistant then goes with another ranging rod and establishes the rod at a point
approximately in the line with AB at a distance not greater than one chain length from
A.
4. Surveyor at A signals the assistant to move transverse to the chain line, till he is in line
with A and B. Similarly, other intermediate points can be established.
5. Now measure the distance between the points A and B.
6. So I have 8 stations in total,
7. I took this procedure for further 7 stations
8. A-B , B-C and further on till station H-A

9.Comments:Suitable for survey of boundaries of ponds, forests etc. Closed traverses,

whether they return to the starting point or not, provide checks on the measured angles
and distances. Because of this ability to check the measurements, closed traverses are
more desirable.