Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 153
C H A P T ER
8
Building Layout
OBJECTIVES
After studying this chapter, you will be able to: ■
■■ Explain the operation of the builder’s level and level-transit.
■■ Explain the basic operation of a laser level system.
■■ Demonstrate proper setup, sighting, and leveling procedures.
■■ Measure and lay out angles using leveling equipment.
■■ Read the vernier scale.
■■ Explain the procedure of laying out building lines and finding the grade level.
■ Use a plumb line.
TECHNICAL TERMS
auto level
benchmark
builder’s level
building line
building site
cut
elevation
fill
grade
grade leveling
laser level
leveling rod
line of sight
lot
plumb
property line
setback
total station
transit
vernier scale
zoning ordinance
B
efore construction of a foundation or slab for a
building can begin, a carpenter must know where
the structure will be located on the property. This
requires a series of steps involving the use of measuring
tapes and building layout instruments. The place where
a building is to be constructed is called a building site.
Often, these sites are in communities where there are
streets and where small tracts of land are broken up
into smaller parcels called lots.
If the building site is a city lot, placing the building re-
quires more steps. Most communities have strict require-
ments called zoning ordinances. Zoning ordinances are
laws that define and dictate how property can be used.
These laws are specific to geographic areas within a
municipality, and may mandate whether a property
can be used for residential, commercial, or industrial
use. Zoning ordinances may control the size or height
of new construction, or in some cases, preserve a his-
toric district by limiting changes to existing buildings
or restricting new construction. Ordinances often reg-
ulate the minimum property setback—a certain dis-
tance buildings must be set back from the street and the
minimum clearances from adjoining properties. The
local ordinances must be carefully checked for these re-
quirements before layout begins.
Green Note
Organize a jobsite recycling program to manage efforts
to minimize waste onsite. Designate a place to store
materials ready for reuse on the jobsite. Include bins
for separating wood, metal, and other scrap material for
recycling. Many cities have stores that champion the
reuse, restore, and repurpose mentality. These stores
will accept salvageable materials as donations and
offer them back to the community at a discounted rate.
Taking advantage of these programs can reduce the cost
of disposal and keep salvageable materials from filling up
our landfills.
C H A P T ER
8
Building Layout
OBJECTIVES
After studying this chapter, you will be able to: ■
■■ Explain the operation of the builder’s level and level-transit.
■■ Explain the basic operation of a laser level system.
■■ Demonstrate proper setup, sighting, and leveling procedures.
■■ Measure and lay out angles using leveling equipment.
■■ Read the vernier scale.
■■ Explain the procedure of laying out building lines and finding the grade level.
■ Use a plumb line.
TECHNICAL TERMS
auto level
benchmark
builder’s level
building line
building site
cut
elevation
fill
grade
grade leveling
laser level
leveling rod
line of sight
lot
plumb
property line
setback
total station
transit
vernier scale
zoning ordinance
B
efore construction of a foundation or slab for a
building can begin, a carpenter must know where
the structure will be located on the property. This
requires a series of steps involving the use of measuring
tapes and building layout instruments. The place where
a building is to be constructed is called a building site.
Often, these sites are in communities where there are
streets and where small tracts of land are broken up
into smaller parcels called lots.
If the building site is a city lot, placing the building re-
quires more steps. Most communities have strict require-
ments called zoning ordinances. Zoning ordinances are
laws that define and dictate how property can be used.
These laws are specific to geographic areas within a
municipality, and may mandate whether a property
can be used for residential, commercial, or industrial
use. Zoning ordinances may control the size or height
of new construction, or in some cases, preserve a his-
toric district by limiting changes to existing buildings
or restricting new construction. Ordinances often reg-
ulate the minimum property setback—a certain dis-
tance buildings must be set back from the street and the
minimum clearances from adjoining properties. The
local ordinances must be carefully checked for these re-
quirements before layout begins.
Green Note
Organize a jobsite recycling program to manage efforts
to minimize waste onsite. Designate a place to store
materials ready for reuse on the jobsite. Include bins
for separating wood, metal, and other scrap material for
recycling. Many cities have stores that champion the
reuse, restore, and repurpose mentality. These stores
will accept salvageable materials as donations and
offer them back to the community at a discounted rate.
Taking advantage of these programs can reduce the cost
of disposal and keep salvageable materials from filling up
our landfills.