Chapter 6  Building Layout
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Summary
The correct location on the building site must
be identified before the foundation or slab can
be constructed. Laying out a building involves
locating the outside corners of the foundation,
driving stakes, and then stretching building
lines between stakes to mark where the walls
will be. Measuring tapes can be used for layout
work, but leveling instruments are more precise.
Leveling instruments are also used to establish
grades and elevations. Laser levels are replacing
conventional transits and levels in building site
layout. Their biggest advantage is requiring
only one person to take measurements, rather
than two.
Test Your Knowledge
Answer the following questions on a separate piece of
paper. Do not write in this book.
1. For surveying work, a measuring tape with
graduations reading in feet and ______ is
required.
2. What are building lines?
3. Explain how to check whether corners of a
building layout are square.
4. In the use of leveling instruments, the ______
replaces the chalk line and straightedge.
5. The builder’s level consists of a telescope
assembly that is mounted on a ______ base.
6. The most important operation in setting
up a builder’s level or transit is ______ the
instrument.
7. When sighting through the telescope, you
should adjust the ______ until the image is
sharp and clear.
8. True or False? The vernier scale is used to
measure angles in fractions of a degree.
9. To position a leveling instrument without an
optical plumb directly over a given point, a
______ is used.
10. When setting grade stakes for a building
footing, the instrument should be set up in a
______ location.
11. True or False? A laser level can check the level
of an entire structure from one position.
Curricular Connections
Mathematics. Make a study of the proce-
dures you would follow and calculations
you would make to determine the height of
a flagpole, tall building, or mountain, using
a transit and trigonometric functions. Use
the information to determine the height of
at least one tall object in your community.
Prepare a report for your class explaining
the theory and how you proceeded.
Outside Assignments
1. Study the catalog of a supplier or manufac-
turer and develop a set of specifications for
a builder’s level. Be sure it includes a good
carrying case. Also select a suitable tripod
and measuring tape. Secure prices for all of
the items.
2. Through drawings and a written descrip-
tion, tell how you would proceed to lay out a
baseball diamond using a transit.