Mapua Institute of Technology

School of Civil Engineering and Environmental and Sanitary Engineering

Elementary Surveying
ADVANCE FIELD MANUAL

FIELDWORK NO. 1
LAYING A SIMPLE CURVE BY TRANSIT AND TAPE
(THE INCREMENTAL CHORDS AND DEFLECTION ANGLE METHOD)

CE121F / B2

Submitted by
Cayanan, Jonas I.

2013102552

Group 3

Cayanan, Jonas I.

October 8, 2015

October 15, 2015

Submitted to
Engr. Valerie Ira Balmoris

GRADE

Table of Contents
Introduction

Objectives and Instruments

Procedures

Computations

Questions and Problems

Preliminary Data Sheet

11

Final Data Sheet

13

Research and Discussion

16

Conclusion

18

Introduction
Straight (tangent) sections of most types of transportation routes, such
as highways, railroads, and pipelines, are connected by curves in both the
horizontal and vertical planes. An exception is a transmission line, in which a
series of straight lines is used with abrupt angular changes at tower locations if
needed.
This fieldwork tackles about some properties of circle and taught us on
how to survey on a curve path. In this fieldwork we used two methods namely
the incremental method and the deflection angle method.
In this fieldwork, students are expected to practice on to verify the
known formula in getting a chord by getting the actual length of the chord
using the deflection angle of the given data.

Objectives
1. To be able to lay a simple curve by deflection angle.
2. To master the skill in leveling, orienting and using the transit
effectively.

Instruments
Range Poles
Surveying instrument
straight rod painted in
alternate red and white
wide. Used for sighting by

consisting of a
bands of
each one foot
surveyors

Chalk
is a soft, white, porous sedimentary carbonate
rock, a form of limestone composed of the
mineral calcite.

50 meter tape
used in surveying for measuring
Horizontal, vertical or slope distances.
issued in various lengths and widths
graduated in variety of ways.

Tapes are
and

Marking Pins
These are made either of iron, steel or
brass wire, as preferred. They are about
fourteen inches long pointed at one end
to enter the ground, and formed into a
ring at the other end for convenience in
handling.

Theodolite
An instrument similar to an ordinary surveyor's
level but capable of finer readings and including
a prism arrangement that permits simultaneous
observation of the rod and the leveling bubble.

PROCEDURES
Procedure:
1. The professor gives the following data:
a. R =
___________m
b. Backward Tangent Direction =
___________
c. Forward Tangent Direction =
___________
d. Station of the Vertex =
___________
e. Adopt Full Chord Length=
___________m
2. The student compute the elements of the simple curve using the following
formulas:
If the azimuths of the backward and forward tangents are given, the
intersection angle I can be solved using:
I = azimuth of the forward tangent - azimuth of the
tangent

backward

The tangent distance must be solved using:

T = R*tan( I/2)
The middle ordinate distance can be computed using:
M = R*( 1 - cos(I/2) )
The length of the curve (Lc) can be computed using (provided that I
is in radians)
Lc = I * R
The long chord (C) can be solved using:
C = 2*R*sin (I/2)
The station of PC can be computed using:
Station of PC = Station V - T

The station of PT can be found by:

Station of PT = Station PC + Lc

The length of the first sub chord from PC, if PC is not exactly on a full
station (otherwise C1 = a full chord length):
C1 = first full station on the curve - Station PC
The length of the last sub chord from PC, if PC is not exactly on a full
station (otherwise C2 = a full chord length):
C2 = Station PT - last full station on the curve
The value of the first deflection angle d1:
d1 = 2*sin-1 ( C1 / 2R )
The value of the last deflection angle d2:
D2 = 2*sin-1 ( C2 / 2R )
3. Set up the transit/theodolite over the vertex V, level the instrument and
sight/locate PC and PT using the computed length of the tangent
segments. Mark the position of PC and PT by marking pins if on soft
ground or chalk if on pavement.
4. Transfer the instrument over PC, level and start locating points of the
curve using the following procedures:
a. Initialize the horizontal vernier by setting to zero reading. Tighten the
upper clamp and adjust it with the upper tangent screw.
b. Using the telescope, sight the vertex or PI with the vernier still at
zero reading.
c. Tighten the lower clamp and focus it using the lower tangent screw.
d. With the lower tangent screw already tight, loosen the upper clamp
and start to measure half the first deflection angle. Mark the direction
with a range pole. Along this line, using a marking pin/chalk, mark
point A measured with a tape the length of the first subchord.
e. Locate the next point B, a full chord length from point A but this time
intersecting the line sighted at an angle of half the sum of d1 and the

full D of the curve. Note that the transit/theodolite is still positioned

over station PC.
f. Proceed in locating other points on the curve following step E until
you cover all full chord stations on the entire length of the curve.
g. Measure the distance and from the last full station on the curve and
intersecting the line of sight with a deflection angle equal to half the
intersection angle, mark the last point as PT.
5. Check the position of PT by determining the length of PC from PT and
compare it to the computed total length of the chord of the simple curve.

COMPUTATIONS
If the azimuths of the backward and forward tangents are given, the
intersection angle I can be solved using:
I = azimuth of the forward tangent - azimuth of the
tangent

backward

The tangent distance must be solved using:

T = R*tan( I/2)
The middle ordinate distance can be computed using:
M = R*( 1 - cos(I/2) )
The length of the curve (Lc) can be computed using (provided that I
is in radians)
Lc = I * R
The long chord (C) can be solved using:
C = 2*R*sin (I/2)
The station of PC can be computed using:
Station of PC = Station V - T
The station of PT can be found by:
Station of PT = Station PC + Lc

The length of the first sub chord from PC, if PC is not exactly on a full
station (otherwise C1 = a full chord length):

C1 = first full station on the curve - Station PC

The length of the last sub chord from PC, if PC is not exactly on a full
station (otherwise C2 = a full chord length):
C2 = Station PT - last full station on the curve
The value of the first deflection angle d1:
d1 = 2*sin-1 ( C1 / 2R )
The value of the last deflection angle d2:
d2 = 2*sin-1 ( C2 / 2R )

Preliminary data sheet

Date: October 08, 2015
Group No. : 1
Time: 12:00
Location: Luneta Park
Weather: Sunny
Professor: Engr. Ira Balmoris

Data Supplied:
R1 =
Backward TangentDirection:
Forward Tangent Direction:
Station of the Vertex:
Adopt Full Chord Length:

Station

80m
48030
113o30
30 + 001
20m

Occupied

Observed

Incremental
Chord

PC

10

Central
Incremental
Angle
o
7 943.1

PC

20

14o1926.2

PC

20

14o1926.2

PC
PC

D
PT

20
20

14o1926.2
14o1926.2

Deflection
Angle From
Back Tangent
3O3459.96
10o4443.06

17o5426.16

o
25 49.26
32o30

Computed Length of the Chord: 85.9679 m

Actual Length of the Chord:
81.10 m

Computations
I = Front Azimuth - Back Azimuth
= 113o30 48o30
= 65o

T = R tan (I/2)
=80 tan (65o/2
=50.9656m

Lc = IR
=80 (65pi/180)
=90.7571m

C = 2R sin (I/2)
= 2*80*sin (65/2)
=85.9679m

Station PC = Station V - PT
=30+001 - 50.9656
=29+950

Station PT = Station PC + Lc
=29+950 + 90
=30+040

Central Incremental Angle

CIAPC-A =(10/80)(180/pi) = 7o943.1
CIAPC-A =(20/80)(180/pi) = 14o1926.2
CIAPC-B =(20/80)(180/pi) = 14o1926.2
CIAPC-C =(20/80)(180/pi) = 14o1926.2
CIAPC-PT =(20/80)(180/pi) = 14o1926.2
d1 =2 sin (1o/2*80) =7o959.92
Deflection Pc-A = d0/2 = 3O3459.96
Deflection Pc-B = (d1o + Do)/2 =10o4443.06
Deflection Pc-c = (d1o + 2Do)/2 =17o5426.16
Deflection Pc-D = (d1o + 3Do)/2 =25o49.26
Deflection Pc-Pt = I/2 =32o30

Sketch

Final data sheet

Date: October 08, 2015
Group No. : 1
Time: 12:00
Location: Luneta Park
Weather: Sunny
Professor: Engr. Ira Balmoris

Data Supplied:
R1 =
Backward TangentDirection:
Forward Tangent Direction:
Station of the Vertex:
Adopt Full Chord Length:

Station

80m
48030
113o30
30 + 001
20m

Occupied

Observed

Incremental
Chord

PC
PC

A
B

10
20

Central
Incremental
Angle
o
7 943.1
14o1926.2

PC

20

14o1926.2

PC
PC

D
PT

20
20

14o1926.2
14o1926.2

Deflection
Angle From
Back Tangent
3O3459.96
10o4443.06

17o5426.16

o
25 49.26
32o30

Computed Length of the Chord: 20m

Actual Length of the Chord:
20m

Computations
I = Front Azimuth - Back Azimuth
= 113o30 48o30
= 65o

T = R tan (I/2)
=80 tan (65o/2
=50.9656m

Lc = IR
=80 (65pi/180)
=90.7571m

C = 2R sin (I/2)
= 2*80*sin (65/2)
=85.9679m

Station PC = Station V - PT
=30+001 - 50.9656
=29+950

Station PT = Station PC + Lc
=29+950 + 90
=30+040

Central Incremental Angle

CIAPC-A =(10/80)(180/pi) = 7o943.1
CIAPC-A =(20/80)(180/pi) = 14o1926.2
CIAPC-B =(20/80)(180/pi) = 14o1926.2
CIAPC-C =(20/80)(180/pi) = 14o1926.2
CIAPC-PT =(20/80)(180/pi) = 14o1926.2
d1 =2 sin (1o/2*80) =7o959.92
Deflection Pc-A = d0/2 = 3O3459.96
Deflection Pc-B = (d1o + Do)/2 =10o4443.06
Deflection Pc-c = (d1o + 2Do)/2 =17o5426.16
Deflection Pc-D = (d1o + 3Do)/2 =25o49.26
Deflection Pc-Pt = I/2 =32o30

Sketch
Set-up of the Theodolite on the vertex of the two

Finding the point

the length of the tangent line.

Setting up point from point PC to point A considering the

deflection angle from point PT

tangent lines

PC by measuring

distance and its

Measuring the chord PC-PT to get our

length to be compared on the
length

The location of the fieldwork

Other pictures, including the location of the points

actual chord
computed chord

Research and discussion

Curves are regular bends provided in the lines of communication like roads, railways and
canals etc. to bring about gradual change of direction.
They enable the vehicle to pass from one path on to
another when the two paths meet at an angle. They are
also used in the vertical plane at all changes of grade to
avoid the abrupt change of grade at the apex.
There are two types of curves, vertical and horizontal
curves. Curves provided in the horizontal plane to have
the gradual change in direction are known as horizontal
curves. Curves provided in the vertical plane to obtain the gradual change in grade are called as
vertical curves. Vertical curves may be circular or parabolic and are generally arcs of parabolas. They
are laid out on the ground along the center line of the work.
Horizontal Curves used in horizontal planes to connect two straight tangent sections.
Simple Curve: A circular arc connecting two tangents.
Compound Curve: Two or more circular
radii tangent to each other.

arcs of different

Broken-back Curve: Combination of a short

connecting two circular arcs that have
same side. Reverse Curve: Two circular arcs
other, with their centers on opposite side

length of tangent
centers on the
tangent to each
of the alignment.

PI: Point of intersection

PC: Point of curvature (the beginning of
PT: Point of tangency (the end of the
TC: Tangent to curve
CT: Curve to tangent
R: Curve radius
T: Tangent distance (PC-PI or PI-PT)
LC: Long chord (PC-PT)
L: Length of the curve (along the curve)
E: Length from the PI to the curve
radial line.
M: Middle ordinate. The radial distance
midpoint of the long chord to the curves midpoint.
POC: Any point on curve.
POT: Any point on tangent.
Da: Degree of any curve (arc definition)

the curve)
curve)

midpoint on a
from the

Dc: Degree of any curve (chord definition)

I: Intersection angle (central angle)
Laying out a curve by Deflection angle ( Rankine's Method)
In this method, curves are staked out by use of deflection angles turned at the point of curvature
from the tangent to points along the curve. The curve is set out
by driving pegs
at regular interval equal to the length of the normal chord.
Usually, the
sub-chords are provided at the beginning and end of the
curve to adjust
the actual length of the curve. The method is based on
the assumption that
there is no difference between length of the arcs
and their
corresponding chords of normal length or less. The
underlying
principle of this method is that the deflection
angle to any
point on the circular curve is measured by the
one-half the
angle subtended at the center of the circle by the arc from
the P.C. to that point.
Except for unusual case the radii of curves on route surveys are
too large to permit swinging an
arc from the curve center. Circular curves are therefore laid out by more practical methods, including
Deflection Angle, coordinates, tangent offsets, (4) chord offsets, (5) middle ordinates, and (6)
ordinates from the 1ong chord. Layout by deflection angles been the standard approach,
although with the advent of total station instruments, the coordinate method is used typically. Layout
or a curve by deflection angles can be done by either the incremental chord method c the total chord
method. n year past, the incremental chord method was a1most used as it could be readily
accomplished with a theodolite and tape.

Conclusion
This fieldwork taught me on how to get deflection angles that we used to
create the curve path. Also in this fieldwork we apply our knowledge on our
pace factor, this helped me to know the use our own pace factor on farther
distances. I also improved my knowledge on using the breaking the tape
method which made our fieldwork easier.
This fieldwork is very challenging for us especially we encounter many
problems. First, since we had a hard time in finding a position for the vertex
since we need a large area that has fewer obstacles, this consumes us time
since we need to pace the distance to make sure that it will be enough for the
fieldwork. Next is the error that cannot be control which are the error due to
sag, temperature and pull that will have a very small discrepancy in the data.
And lastly is the computation, we had a mistake in solving for the incremental
chord of the station PC - PT that had an effect on the measurement of the
actual length of the chord when we measured.
Some recommendation to make sure that the data will be accurate. First is
to pace the needed distance to make sure there will be no obstacle in doing
your fieldwork. Second, make sure that the theodolite is set-up properly and
balance to the ground. This will help to get an accurate data. Third, it is also
better to use the breaking the tape method in measuring large distances
especially to avoid the error due to sag and pull that will affect the data
gathered. Fourth, to make sure that you are still on the correct path, you can
use the range poles to verify if you are on the straight line or you can use the
theodolite to sight if your position is correct on the deflection angle needed.
Fifth, before starting the fieldwork make sure that you understand and know
what to do in the field already and make sure you are on the right track. It is
also advisable to solve the unknowns beforehand since the needed data are
already given before the fieldwork.

Application of these compund curves is In the geometric design of motorways,

railways, pipelines, etc., the design and setting out of curves is an important
aspect of the engineers work. The initial design is usually based on a series of
straight sections whose positions are defined largely by the topography of the
area. The intersections of pairs of straights are then connected by horizontal
curves.