LESSON 23

MEASUREMENT OF HORIZONTAL DISTANCES

WARNING! DO NOT PROCEED IF YOU HAVE NOT READ AND

UNDERSTAND LESSON 22

TARGET

This lesson will be dealing with, cross section leveling and adjustment of level
circuits

After going through this lesson, you should be able to:

Solve problems involving adjustment of level circuits

1. .

REMEMBER
To make this learning material help you, don’t just read the lesson like reading a
novel or pocketbook. Reading alone will make you forget easily. Instead, write or jot down
important terms and events transpired in the discussion. This is the best way that you can
visualize and interpret the words/ instrument carefully. For problem solving and
computation discussion see to it that you have calculator, paper and pen or pencil. Write
the numbers/ essential details being talked about. There are two important questions that
should be answered in studying involving computation, the How it is done? and most
important the why it is done? As much as possible answer the “how, why” question in
order not to forget easily the discussion. Do not be satisfied just to know the “how” part.

ANCHOR
You have learned on our previous lesson about barometric and inverse leveling.

In barometric leveling, differences of elevation of points are determined by observations

of the prevailing atmospheric pressures. It is based on the basic principle that the
pressure caused by the weight of the column of air above the observer decreases
(increases) as the observer goes higher (lower) in elevation.
Barometric leveling results are better obtained under stable weather condition and
climatic conditions remain constant such that there are no signs of rapid variations in
barometric pressure.
Precise aneroid barometers which are specifically designed for surveying applications are
called altimeters. The instrument has a graduated dial which allows direct readings of
altitude either in meters or in feet. Altimeters are usually “compensated” which means
that any change in temperature within the instrument does not affect its performance.

Two principal Method

1. Single-Based Method
In this method, two altimeters and two thermometers are employed. One altimeter
remains at a reference base whose elevation is known while the other altimeter
which is referred to as the roving altimeter, is taken to other points or field stations
whose elevations are to be determined.

2. Two-Based Method
One altimeter is employed at each base and simultaneous readings are taken and
recorded at a predefined time interval. A third altimeter, the roving altimeter is
carried and read at a predetermined interval at various field stations over the area.

With the help of some illustration and trigonometric concepts/principles (similar

triangles), difference in elevations can be computed as well as the unknown
elevation.

To determine the elevation of a point higher than the telescope of the instrument. In this
situation, the rod is held upside down and its base is placed up at the desired point. The
rod is then read and the distance to the line of sight is recorded in normal way. A reading
whether backsight or foresight, can thus be obtained. The backsight reading and the
foresight reading is prefixed by a negative sign whenever the rod is inverted. The
calculation is still carried out on the usual manner and it is important to write an
explanatory note on the right-hand page of the field notebook to clarify the reversal of the
signs.
 IGNITE

Cross-section Leveling

Cross-sections are short profiles taken perpendicular to the centerline of projects such as
highway, railroad, irrigational canal, or sewer line. They may also be taken for borrow-pits
and excavations required for buildings, structures and quarries. It provides necessary
data needed for estimating quantities of earthwork and other related purposes.

1. Roadway Cross-Sections
• More accurate than single profile leveling.
• Done by measuring cross sections at right angles to the centerline, usually at
intervals of 10 m, 20m etc.
• Readings at each cross section are taken at the centerline and critical points
perpendicular to the centerline.
• Cross sections are drawn and design templates are superimposed, the
difference in the area is the area of cur or fill at that section (end area)
Sample of end area

This type of cross-section is required for most route projects such as roads and
railroads. It is obtained in a manner similar to that of profile leveling.
a. At any suitable position, the instrumentman takes a backsight on a benchmark
or any known elevation.
b. Rod readings are taken at enough points along cross section to accurately
determine the shape of the ground surface.
c. A steel tape is used to measure the distance from the centerline station to the
ground point.
d. The elevations determined by cross-section leveling are then plotted on
graphing paper.
 2. Borrow pit Cross-sections.
Sample of borrowpit leveling notes

A borrow pit is an open area which is usually adjacent to the construction project where
suitable fill material is excavated. The site is divided into squares. Elevations are then
measured at the corners of the grid, which are given names or labes that corresponds to
the coordinates of the corner say 2E, 6B …
Adjustment of Level Circuits

A level circuit or loop is a line of levels which begins and ends at the same point or line of
levels between points of precisely known elevation. In conducting a closed loop, it will
always been expected that the observed elevations will not agree with known elevations
of the previously established point within the loop. The difference between the observed
and known elevations of the initial point or benchmark are referred to as error of closure.

Levels over One Route

An elevation correction for any particular point in a level circuit is usually applied in direct
proportion to the distance of the point from the initial benchmark. If the distance is not
known, correction may be made directly proportional to the number of setups of the
instruments. The error of closure is determined by subtracting the observed elevation
from the observed elevation.

Ec = Observed Elevation – Known Elevation.

The elevation correction is determined by dividing the error of closure by the length (or
perimeter) of the level circuit and multiplying by the distance from the initial benchmark of
the point considered.

𝐸𝑐
Corr = − ( )𝑑
𝐷

where:
Corr = elevation correction for any point within a level circuit
Ec = error pof closure
D = length or perimeter of the level circuit
d = horizontal distance of point from the initial benchmark

If the error of closure is negative, all computed elevation corrections are to be added to
the corresponding observed elevations, if positive corrections are subtracted. A negative
sign is affixed in the equation above to simplify the process of calculation and in applying
correction.

Levels over Different Routes

When the elevation of a benchmark is to be established by running several lines of levels
over different routes from a common point of origin, it will always be certain that different
results will be obtained. There will be as many observed elevations as there are lines
terminating at the benchmark to be established.
In ordinary leveling work, weights are assigned to the different routes and adjustment is
made by proportioning the discrepancy according to the length of the routes. Thus, the
weight given to each route equals the reciprocal of its length, and when the different
lines of the levels to the same point are compared, the shorter the route, the greater the
weight of its result.
The most probable value of the benchmark’s elevation will then be the weighted mean of
the observed value. Should there be other points established along a particular level
route, the elevations of these points in turn would require adjustment after the most
probable value of the elevation of the terminal benchmark has been determined.

Note: Recall also the relation of weights and probable error, that is weights are inversely
proportional to the square of the corresponding probable errors. (LM 10)

Example

Lines of levels are run from BM1 to BM2 over three different routes. The elevation of BM 1
is 100 m above sea level. Note : Measurement unit is meters.

Route Length Difference in Elevation

Between BM1 and BM2
A 1 632.81
B 16 632.67
C 40 633.30

a. Determine the probable weight of route B

b. Determine the most probable difference in elevation of BM 1 and BM2
c. Determine the most probable elevation of BM 2. BM1 is lower than BM2

Solution
Determine first the weight of each route.
Weight is equal to the reciprocal of its length. To find the probable weight, divide the LCD
by its distance.

LCD = 80
Compute weighted DE = Probable weight x DE

Route Length Weight Probable Difference in Elevation Weighted DE

Weight Between BM1 and BM2
A 10 1/10 8 632.81 5062.48
B 16 1/16 5 632.67 3163.35
C 40 1/40 2 633.30 1266.60
15 ∑ 𝐷𝐸 =9492.43

a. Most Probable weight of route B is 5

b. Most Probable weight of DE = summation of DE/Sum of Probable Weight
MPV of DE = 632.83 m
c. The elevation of BM1 is 100 m above sea level and BM 1 is lower than BM2,
therefore Elevation of BM2 = 100 m + 632.83 m
= 732.83 m above sea level
 EXPLORE

After reading, understanding and solve problems on the topics, combined

corrections and surveys with tape you can now answer/solve the question/problems in
UE 4 problems 19 – 20

Note: Compile your work (UE 4). Follow the guide in compiling UE problems.
(Deadline of Submission will be posted on the GC. Thank you.)

IN A NUTSHELL
In this lesson you have learned about, cross-section leveling and adjustment of level
circuit.

Cross-sections are short profiles taken perpendicular to the centerline of projects such as
highway, railroad, irrigational canal, or sewer line. They may also be taken for borrow-pits
and excavations required for buildings, structures and quarries. It provides necessary
data needed for estimating quantities of earthwork and other related purposes.

Roadway Cross-Sections
• More accurate than single profile leveling.
• Done by measuring cross sections at right angles to the centerline, usually at
intervals of 10 m, 20m etc.
• Readings at each cross section are taken at the centerline and critical points
perpendicular to the centerline.
• Cross sections are drawn and design templates are superimposed, the
difference in the area is the area of cur or fill at that section (end area)

Borrow pit Cross-sections.

• A borrow pit is an open area which is usually adjacent to the construction project
where suitable fill material is excavated.
• The site is divided into squares.
• Elevations are then measured at the corners of the grid, which are given names
or labels that corresponds to the coordinates of the corner say 2E, 6B …

A level circuit or loop is a line of levels which begins and ends at the same point or line of
levels between points of precisely known elevation. In conducting a closed loop, it will
always been expected that the observed elevations will not agree with known elevations
of the previously established point within the loop. The difference between the observed
and known elevations of the initial point or benchmark are referred to as error of closure.
The error of closure is determined by subtracting the observed elevation from the
observed elevation in levels with single route.

Ec = Observed Elevation – Known Elevation.

The elevation correction is determined by dividing the error of closure by the length (or
perimeter) of the level circuit and multiplying by the distance from the initial benchmark of
the point considered.

𝐸𝑐
Corr = − ( )𝑑
𝐷

where:
Corr = elevation correction for any point within a level circuit
Ec = error pof closure
D = length or perimeter of the level circuit
d = horizontal distance of point from the initial benchmark

If the error of closure is negative, all computed elevation corrections are to be added to
the corresponding observed elevations, if positive corrections are subtracted. A negative
sign is affixed in the equation above to simplify the process of calculation and in applying
correction.

When the elevation of a benchmark is to be established by running several lines of levels

over different routes from a common point of origin, it will always be certain that different
results will be obtained.

The weight given to each route equals the reciprocal of its length

The most probable value of the benchmark’s elevation will then be the weighted mean of
the observed value. Should there be other points established along a particular level
route, the elevations of these points in turn would require adjustment after the most
probable value of the elevation of the terminal benchmark has been determined.

Note: Recall also the relation of weights and probable error, that is weights are inversely
proportional to the square of the corresponding probable errors.