Example:

A base line was measured in catenary in four lengths

giving 30.126, 29.973, 30.066 and 25.536m.
The differences of level were respectively 0.45, 0.60,
0.30 and 0.45m.The temperature during observation
was 10°C and the tension applied 15kg. The tape was
standardized as 30m at 20°C with a tension of 5kg.
The coefficient of expansion was 0.000001 per °C.
The weight of the tape is 1kg. The cross sectional
area 3mm2. E = 210 x 103 N/mm2. Calculate the
true length of the line.
Example:
A base line was measured in catenary in four lengths giving 30.126, 29.973, 30.066
and 25.536m. The differences of level were respectively 0.45, 0.60, 0.30 and 0.45m.
The temperature during observation was 10°C and the tension applied 15kg. The tape
Was standardized as 30m at 20°C with a tension of 5kg. The coefficient of expansion was
0.000001 per °C. The weight of the tape is 1kg. The cross sectional area 3mm2.
E = 210 x 103 N/mm2. Calculate the true length of the line.

Cp = +0.018 m
Ct = - 0.001 m
Cs = - 0.021 m
CӨ = - 0.014 m

True length = 115.701 + 0.018 - 0.001 – 0.021 -0.014 = 115.683m

 EXERCISE

A steel tape was exactly 30 m long at 20 C when

supported throughout its length under a pull of 70 N. A
line was measured with a tape under a pull of 50 N and
found to be 1100 m. The mean temperature during the
measurement was 30 C. The correction of tape
graduation/length is -0.005m for every 30 m measured.
Assuming the tape to be supported at every 30 m,
calculate the true length of the line, given that the cross
section area of the tape is 0.04 cm2, the weight
2.56 x 10-2 kg / m, the coefficient of expansion =
0.0000117 per 1 C and the modulus elasticity = 2.068 x
106 kg / cm2
CT = (0.0000117/°C) (30°C – 20°C) (30m)
= 0.00351 m

Cp = (50N-70N) (30m)
(0.04 cm2)(2.068 x 107 N/cm2)
= -0.0007 m

Cs = -(2.56 x 10-1 N/m)2 (30m)3

24 (50N)2
= - 0.0295 m

LT  L f  C S  C P  CT  C L
= 30m - 0.0295m – 0.0007m + 0.00351m – 0.005m
= 29.968 m
If 30 m tape = 29.968 m long
If 1100 m tape = 1098.827m long