Construction Surveying
PublicLayout, grading, curves, and earthwork calculations for construction surveying
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Cards (8)
What is the difference between control surveying and construction layout?
CONTROL: Field → Office (Determine positions from measurements) LAYOUT: Office → Field (Establish design positions on ground) Layout is the REVERSE of control. — Kavanagh Ch. 18
What does +2.50 on a grade stake mean?
The design grade is 2.50 feet BELOW the top of stake. + means measure DOWN from stake top - means measure UP from stake top — Kavanagh Ch. 18
What is the 3-4-5 method?
A tape-only method for laying out right angles: • 3 units along baseline • 4 units perpendicular • 5 units hypotenuse 3² + 4² = 5² verifies 90° Multiples: 6-8-10, 30-40-50, 5-12-13 — Kavanagh Ch. 18
What is the average end area formula?
V = L × (A₁ + A₂) / 2 Where: V = volume L = distance between sections A₁, A₂ = end areas Divide cubic feet by 27 for cubic yards. — McCormac Ch. 26
What are PC, PI, and PT on a horizontal curve?
PI = Point of Intersection (tangents meet) PC = Point of Curvature (curve begins) PT = Point of Tangency (curve ends) PC and PT are equidistant from PI (distance T). — Caltrans Ch. 12
What is the degree of curve formula (arc definition)?
D = 5729.578 / R Where: D = degree of curve R = radius in feet Higher D = sharper curve = smaller R — Kavanagh Ch. 17
What is a blue top?
A stake driven so its TOP is exactly at finish grade elevation. Marked with blue paint. Contractor grades directly to stake top—no calculations needed. — McCormac Ch. 23
What is a slope stake?
A stake at the CATCH POINT where design slope meets existing ground. Shows: • Distance from centerline • Cut or fill amount • Slope ratio (e.g., 2:1) — Kavanagh Ch. 18