Fundamentals of Surveying - Fieldwork

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National University – Laguna

Fundamentals of Surveying - Fieldwork
CESURV2L

Exercise No. 7
Profile Leveling

BSCE221A

Group 1

Basilio, Jen Edryl F.

Cabael, Errand Ralph A.
Javier, Thea Nherie M.
Marfa, Louigi U.
Navarro, Mekaella Lyka C.
Rivera, Yvan Irish L.
Sebare, Myka E.
Visaya, Kristine Anne L.
Ybañez, Ritchie G.

Engr. Jacob O. Sabido, RCE

Professor
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I. INTRODUCTION

The process of determining differences in elevation along a fixed line at designed short-
measured intervals is referred to as profile leveling. It is executed to provide data from which a
vertical section of the ground surface can be plotted. The primary use of profile surveys is for
routes. Examples of routes are sidewalks, streets, fences, retaining walls, and utilities. Profile-
level routes may be run as a single straight line or a series of straight lines connected by curves.
The data generated by a profile survey can be used to determine the slope between points, depths
of trenches, ground clearance for overhead power lines, and many other applications. For most
engineering projects, the profile is usually taken along the centerline with the level set up a
convenient distance away from it so that sights at more uniform lengths can be obtained.

Before making any observations, the line along which the profile will be run must be
indicated on the ground. Stakes are often placed at regular intervals based on terrain, precision
required, kind of work, plotting scale, and so on. It is commonly assumed to be 10 meters. The
first station of profile leveling is designated as 0+00. Points at multiples of 100 meters from this
point are termed full stations. Intermediate points are designated as pluses.

A crucial service or infrastructure that provides access to many locations is the

establishment of road networks. The data on elevation would be one crucial factor in road
networks for constructing a good and adequate design. A leveling procedure is required for
figuring out point elevations, especially for a proposed route. Profile leveling is the term used to
describe such a method. Profile leveling, in general, establishes the elevations of ground
locations along the centerline of an existing or new roadway with predetermined brief measured
intervals (La Putt, 1987). According to Ghilani and Wolf, the method establishes how the
ground surface is shaped and is regarded as an extension of differential leveling in which
potential linear engineering work has to be done (Reference, 2020).

In general, profile leveling is a key surveying technique that allows engineers and
construction specialists to provide precise and thorough representations of the surface of the
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terrain. It is crucial to the planning and implementation of numerous civil engineering projects
because it provides precise elevation data.

II. MATERIALS AND PROCEDURE

2.1 Instruments and Accessories

● Chalk
The signs make it simple to locate survey points and measure distances between them.

Figure 1: Chalk

● Range Poles
They are used to mark out areas and draw straight lines on the field. They are also used to
designate places that must be seen from a distance, to which a flag can be affixed to improve
visibility.

Figure 2: Range Poles

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● Leveling Rod
Used in together with a leveling tool to measure height differences between points or the heights
of points above a horizontal reference point.

Figure 3: Leveling Rod

● Total Station
It is a piece of surveying equipment used to measure horizontal and vertical angles, as well as the
slope distance of an object to the instrument.

Figure 4: Total Station

● Chaining Pins
When using a survey chain to measure a distance, chaining pins are employed. The
measurement requires two individuals.

Figure 5: Chaining Pins

Fundamentals of Surveying - Fieldwork

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2.2 Procedure

A. Profile Leveling
1. Make a 40-meter line and mark a point every 4 meters along that line. Make the
markings using the chaining pins provided.

Figure 6: Marking of the 40m line.

2. On one side of the roadway, set up the instrument and level it to the line. The location
of the instrument should be able to see all the 3-meter interval markings.

Figure 7: Setting up of the instrument

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3. Look through the instrument and record the backsight on a rod that is nearby the bench
mark. The reading will serve as the height of the instrument.

Figure 8: Reading to identify the Height

of the Instrument.

4. Look through the instrument and record the foresights of the following center line
points.

Figure 9: Recording of Foresight.

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5. If the rod comes to point where it can’t be read through the instrument, make a turning
point, and record its foresight to determine the elevation of that point.

Figure 10: Further recording of data.

6. Tabulate the observed and gathered data accordingly using the format for the
tabulation of field data provided.

B. Profile Leveling
1. Plot the gathered data on a profile paper with horizontal and vertical lines on it. This
will represent the distances of the points both horizontally and vertically.
2. Use a scale of 1:100 and 1:10 for plotting horizontal and vertical distances
respectively.
3. After that, connect the plotted points for the profile using a curved line drawn
freehand.
4. Label the points in the profile. The elevations, location of the instrument or stations,
and horizontal and vertical scales must be present.
5. Draw the line for the roadway with a 5% slope.

III. DEFINITION OF TERMS

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1. Profile Leveling - leveling a surface along a certain line to measure elevations of the ground
surface along the line. Longitudinal sectioning is another name for profile leveling.
2. Backsight (BS) - also referred to as plus (+) sight. A rod reading taken on a point of known
elevation.
3. Foresight (FS) - also referred to as minus (-) sight. A rod reading that is also taken on a point
of known elevation.
4. Elevation (EL) - the vertical distance above or below an assumed level.
5. Benchmark (BM) - the reference point for leveling work.

IV. CONCLUSION

Profile leveling is the process of leveling along a fixed line to determine the elevations of
the ground surface along the line. Profile leveling is also known as longitudinal sectioning.

Considering the data gathered from this exercise, our group has observed that the data in
this exercise is much different compared to the past exercise where the data gradually increases
but in this exercise, there are various points where it increases and it also decreases on the next
point. As we computed the data we noticed that from BM1 to Point 3 the data gradually
decreased but from Point 3 to Point 6 it increased for a bit.

One technique that is highly helpful for surveying a road or a field is profile leveling. It
can show the road's elevations, profile, and uphill and downhill expansions for a particular
road or lot. Our group performed the profile leveling using these materials: the total station,
prism, tape measure, range poles, leveling rod, and rock (used in markings). In starting the
exercise, we measured 40 m in the road and marked it 4 meters apart, and placed the total station
to measure the distance of each station.

Based on the data that we gathered in doing the fieldwork. Each member sighted one
station and we observed that the elevation of each station is decreasing because the total station
is in one place compared to the previous exercises where the total station is moving from one
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place to another. Beginning with BMI, the elevation is 0. In STA 1, the elevation is -0.17. In
STA 2 , the elevation is -0.37. In STA 3, the elevation is -0.58. In STA 4, the elevation is -0.63.
In STA 5, the elevation is -0.77. In STA 6, the elevation is -0.95. In STA 7, the elevation is -
1.23. In STA 8, the elevation is -1.46. In STA 9, the elevation is -1.69. In TP1, the elevation is -
1.73.

All things considered, the researchers came to the conclusion that gradual elevation
changes correspond to gradual inclinations or declinations in the ground. This assertion also
demonstrates that every piece of ground we possess can have a varied elevation, and in our line
of work, this knowledge is absolutely essential. Every structure or building that has been erected
on the surface of the earth is based on the ground, and even the slightest error in measuring the
elevation of the ground could jeopardize the quality of the final product or, in the worst case
scenario, endangering many lives. This is why profile leveling is so important. Now that we are
aware of how important profile leveling is, it can be thought of as one of the foundations of
every structure.
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References:

[‌ 1] Chapter 6 Profile leveling. (n.d.) The Free Library. (2014). Retrieved Oct 14 2023 from
https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Chapter+6+Profile+leveling.-a0191392607

[‌ 2] Fundamentals of surveying profile leveling and locating stations discussion and practice
exam. (2022). https://www.studypool.com/documents/10391935/fundamentals-of-surveying-
profile-leveling-and-locating-stations-discussion-and-practice-exam

Profile Leveling-Reduction Level. (n.d.). https://www.ramauniversity.ac.in/online-study-

material/fet/civilengg/iiisemester/surveying/lecture-5.pdf

https://www.charusat.ac.in/Downloads/Practical%20List%20and%20Lab%20Manual/CSPIT/
CL/CL%20242_Surveying_Manual18-19.pdf