I.

OBJECTIVES

TO DETERMINE THE HORIZONTAL LENGTH OF A LINE OVER UNEVEN AND SLOPING GROUND BY THE
METHOD OF BREAKING TAPE

II. TOOLS AND INSTRUMENTS

MEASURING TAPE

RANGE POLES

RANGE POLES

III. PROCEDURE

1. The same course is measured but this time 10m tape length will
be unsupported by the ground and must be held an eye-level
distance above the ground.
2. Both the rear and the front tape man must use a range pole to
align the tape.
3. The front tape man must check the tape if it is aligned in the range
pole at B.
4. Once the rear tape man approves the alignment, the rear tape man
holding the 0-mark pulls the tape taut. This will mark the ground
with a dent to guide the front tape man where he must place his
marking pin.
5. This is to be done continuously until point B is reached. Note that
the partial length must also be measured as in procedure A.
6. The course is measured back and forth to complete the number of
trials required by the professor.
IV. DATA

V. SAMPLE COMPUTATIONS

VI.SETUP
VII. THEORIES AND CONCEPTS

The term breaking tape is used to describe procedure for measuring directly horizontal; distance on
sloping ground, or through obstacles that do not permit the use of a full tape length. Generally, you will
start breaking tape when the slope of the existing ground exceeds 5 percent. In this field work, we used
breaking tape in measuring unleveled distance to get its horizontal distance by stretching the tape
measure by 2.5m in an eye leveled position of the rear tape man keeping it horizontal by adjusting the
height of the tape by the front tape man. You should always keep the tape horizontal and leveled or you
will get errors. This may be a large source of error and in rough or deceptive terrain, a hand level may
eliminate the error.

Error is defined as the difference between the true value and the measured

value of a quantity. Errors result from instrument imperfections, personal

limitations, and natural conditions affecting the measurement. An error is

systematic or random.

1. Poor alignment of the tape. Both chainmen are required to be constantly aware of the condition
of the tape as they move along the line. The instrument operator also helps ensure that the tape is on
line over the entire length from point to point.

2. The tape is not the standard length. This results in systematic error which may be eliminated by
standardizing the tape or comparing the true length of the tape with some permanent standard of
length.

3. Tape not horizontal. This error produces an effect similar to that due to poor alignment.

4. Variations in temperature. Materials expand as the temperature rises and contract when the
temperature falls.

5. Variations in tension. A steel tape is elastic and stretches when tension is applied. The amount
of pull is most important and is required to be known to make the tape the right length.

6. Tape Sag. Error due to sag in the tape is significant if the tape is relatively heavy and
unsupported over the length of the tape. This may be a very important consideration when both rear
and head chainmen are plumbing over rough ground.
VIII- CONCLUSION

All measurements in plane surveying are taken to be horizontal. This can be achieved using either the
tape is held horizontally while the measurements are taken, or the tape is held along the ground. Based
on our field work, measuring the distance on a leveled ground by taping along the ground is more
convenient than taping while the tape is held above the ground horizontally due to unleveled ground.
However, taping along the ground can only be used if the ground is leveled though some errors might
occur but more accurate than holding the tape level

IX. RECOMMENDATIONS

t is recommended to have patience in doing the field work because this field work has so much part and
a lot to be done. Also check first if the measuring tape is completely perpendicular to the ground before
recording the measurement to lessen the error that might be acquired. Using a plumb bob is also
recommended to see if the measuring tape is perpendicular to the ground. Follow the instructions on
the manual carefully to avoid errors.

X. REFLECTION