COUNCIL FOR TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING

ENGINEERING SURVEY SOLUTION

LOKENDRA PRASHAD BHATTA
[email protected]
9860656536

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1.Define engineering survey. Explain survey components in various
engineering construction works.
Ans: Engineering surveys means all survey activities required to support
the sound conception, planning, design, construction, maintenance, and
operation of engineered projects, which include locating or laying out
alignments, positions, or elevations for the construction of fixed works.
Some survey component in various engineering construction projects
are:
Control survey:
Control survey means a survey that provides horizontal or vertical position
data for the support or control of subordinate surveys or for mapping.
The purpose of control surveys is to provide a uniform framework of
reference for the coordination of all surveying activities within a given area.
Topographical survey:
Topographic survey is simply the recording of coordinates and height data
for a particular survey area. This data can be used to create spot height
maps, contour maps, or more complex terrain models of the surveyed area.
Purpose of topo Survey: An objective of topography is to determine the
position of any feature or more generally any point in terms of both a
horizontal coordinate system such as latitude, longitude, and altitude.
Identifying (naming) features, and recognizing typical landform patterns
are also part of the field.

Construction Survey:
A construction survey is used to establish or mark the desired position of
building corners, roads, sidewalks, or utilities, that the engineer has
designed. The stakes and points set during the process of construction
surveying are not usually set at the actual construction point, but usually on
some sort of offset.
As- built survey:
An As-Built survey is a record of location of the improvements “as they are
built” during construction. The final location of construction improvements
such as sewer pipes, buildings, utilities and pavement can be different than
the original design location.

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Why is it important to have an As Constructed Survey? Accurate As
Constructed surveys are important not only as a practical measure but also
shows exactly what has been completed to date, a useful tool in adjusting
the schedule of a large construction project.
2.Write the importance of Engineering survey.
Ans: Importance of Surveying:
The knowledge of surveying is advantageous in many phases of
engineering. Surveying is of vital importance in any engineering project.
Some of the basic importance of Surveying is discussed below.
(1)The first necessity in surveying is to prepare a plan and a section of an
area to be covered by the project. From these prepared maps and sections
the best possible alignment, amount of earthwork and other necessary
details depending upon the nature of the project can be calculated.
(2)The planning and design of all Engineering projects such as railways,
highways, tunneling, irrigation, dams, reservoirs, waterworks, sewerage
works, airfields, ports, massive buildings, etc. are based upon surveying
measurements.
(3)During execution of the project of any magnitude is constructed along
the lines and points established by surveying.
(4)The measurement of land and the fixation of its boundaries cannot be
done without surveying.
(5)The economic feasibility of the engineering feasibility of a project cannot
be properly ascertained without undertaking a survey work.
(6)The execution of hydrographic and oceanographic charting and mapping
requires.
(7)Surveying is used to prepare a topographic map of a land surface of the
earth.

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2. Define curve and explain method of simple circular curves.
Ans: To avoid abrupt change of direction curves are introduced between
two straights both in the horizontal and vertical plane. Regular bends are
required to provide in roads, railways, canals etc. due to the nature of the
terrain, cultural features or some other unavoidable reasons to bring about
the gradual change of the direction. Such bends are called curves.
Setting out Simple Circular Curve:
-Before setting out the curve: P.I., P.C. and the P.T. are located on the ground
-After locating the P.I., theodolite is placed at that point and the angle of
deflection is measured. (Telescope is pointed towards one straight,
transited by 180°and swung towards other straight)

Using this deflection angle, Tangent length can be computed by:

T = R Tan (Δ/2)
-Thus, P.C. (T1) and P.T.(T2) can be established on the ground.

Methods of simple circular curves:

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Successive Bisection of Chords
-It involves the location of points on the curve by bisecting the chords and
erecting perpendicular offsets at the midpoint of the chords.
-The Long chord T1T2 is Bisected at D. We know that,
The mid-ordinate DC= R{1-Cos (Δ/2)}
Thus, Point C is established.
-T1C and T2C are joined and Bisected at D1 and D2 Respectively.
-Perpendicular Offsets D1C1 and D2C2 each will be, D1C1 =D2C2 = R{1-Cos
(Δ/4)}
-These offsets are set out giving points c1 and c2 on curve.

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-By the successive bisections of the chords T1C1, C1C, CC2, and CT2 more

points may be obtained.

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3. Define Designation of curve and explain elements of simple circular
curve.
Ans: Designation of a Curve:
Designated by two ways:
By radius (R)
By degree of curvature (D)
Degree of curvature is the angle subtended at the center by an arc or chord
of specified length(!).
According to arc definition, the degree of curve is defined as the central
angle subtended by an arc of 20m or 30m length.
According to the chord definition, the degree of curve is defined as the
central angle subtended by a chord of 20m or 30m length.
Arc definition – highway
Chord definition – railway
These days designated by radius of curve
Relation between Degree and Radius of Curve
Arc Definition:
30 = RXD (θ = l/r) D in radian
30 = RXDX(π /1800) D in Degree
D = 1718.87/R
Chord Definition: Sin(D/2) = 15/R
D/2 X π /1800 = 15/R (For small angle Sin(D/2) = D/2radians)
D = 1718.87/R

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Elements of simple circular curve:
1. Point of Intersection (I):The point where the two straight lines meet,
also known as vertex
2. Back Tangent (AT1) : The tangent line before the beginning of the
curve, also known as first tangent.
3. Forward Tangent (T2B): The tangent line after the end of the curve,
also known as second tangent.
4. Deflection Angle(Δ):The external angle between two straight lines
(∠I’IT2)
5. Angle of Intersection: The internal angle between two straight lines
(∠T1IT2). The sum of Δ and θ is 180.
6. Point of Curvature: Point on the back tangent at the beginning of the
curve, also known as tangent-curve point (T1)
7. Point of Tangency: Point on the forward tangent at the end of the curve,
also known as curve-tangent point (T2)
8. Tangent Length: Distance between the point of curvature to the point of
intersection; also the distance between the point of intersection to the point
of tangency (T1I, IT2)
9. Length of the Curve: Total length of the curve between point of
curvature and point of tangency (T1MT2)
10. Apex of the Curve: The mid point of the curve, also known as the
summit of the curve (M)
11. Long Chord(T1NT2): Chord of the circular curve joining the point of
curvature(T1) and point of tangency(T2).
12. Mid Ordinate(MN): The distance between the apex of the curve (M)
and mid point (N) of the long chord
13. External Distance: Distance between the point of Intersection (I) and
apex of the curve (C), also known as apex distance; (IC)

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4.Deefine super elevation and Explain classification of curve.
Ans: Super elevation is the transverse slope provided to counteract the
effect of centrifugal force and reduce the tendency of vehicle to overturn
and to skid laterally outwards by raising the pavement outer edge with
respect to inner edge. Super elevation is represented by “ e ”.
Horizontal Curve
•Curves Provided in Horizontal plane
•Horizontal curves are introduced for gradual change in direction in route.

(a)Simple Circular Curve

•Connects two intersected straight lines
•Consists of a single arc of a circle
•the curve has constant radius
•The curve is tangential to the connected straight lines at the joining points
(b)Compound Curve
•Combination of two or more simple circular curves in the same direction
with different radii
(c)Reverse Curve
•Combination of two or more simple circular curves in the opposite
direction with same or different radii
•Also known as serpentine curve
•Not suitable for highways and railways
(d)Transition Curve
•Introduced between simple circular curve and straight line or between
two simple circular curves
•With varying radius
•Provides a gradual change from straight line to the circular curve and vice
versa
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•Also known as easement curve

(e)Combined Curve
•Combination of simple circular curve and transition curve
•Preferred in railway and highway
•When transition curve are introduced at both end of simple circular curve
then it is called combined curve
(f)Broken back Curve
•Two circular curves, having centers in the same side, connected with a
tangent

Vertical Curve
•Curve introduced in vertical Plane
•Introduced for gradual

Summit Curve:
This is provided is either of the following three cases:
a)When an upgrade is followed by a downgrade
b)When an stepper upgrade is followed by a milder upgrade
c)When a milder downgrade is followed by a steeper downgrade

Sag Curve:
This is provided is either of the following three cases:
a)When a downgrade is followed by an upgrade.
b)When a steeper downgrade is followed by a milder downgrade
c)When a milder upgrade is followed by a steeper upgrade

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5. Define hydrographic survey with its importance.
Ans: A hydrographic survey will look over water surface and the land
beneath the water such as the river or ocean bed.
-Branch of surveying deals with measurement of bodies of water.
-Ggathering of data about a particular area of water.
-This will involve measuring its depth at different points.
Importance of hydrographic survey:
• Conducted for the determination of water areas, volumes and levels,
rate of flow, and the form and characteristics of underwater surface.
• Conducted for planning and designing engineering projects related to
large water bodies.
• Conducted for the preparation of nautical charts used for navigation.
• Conducted for the determination of submarine contours (fathoms) and
for the location of other topographical features related to large water
bodies.
• Establishing mean sea Level and observation of tides
• Determination of shore lines
• Measurement of discharge for flood control, irrigation, power
generation, water storage.
• (Submarine Contours: The imaginary lines joining the points of equal
depth of water below the assumed datum)

6. Explain the provision of control survey in hydrographic survey.

Ans: Provision of Control survey in hydrographic survey
1. Horizontal Control:
Consists of a series of connected lines (as in topographic survey).
For rough work, plane table traverses or tacheometric traverses are carried
out.
For precise work, theodolite traverses are carried out.
For extended work, triangulation is carried out.
If the water body is more than 1 km wide, two traverses are run along each
shore connecting them at frequent interval.If the water body is narrow and
shore line is also favorable, single traverse is run along one bank.If not
suitable for traversing, triangulation is carried out and the triangulation
points are connected by traverse lines.
2. Vertical Control:
A number of precise bench marks are establish for vertical controls along
the shore line. These bench marks are also used for checking the tide
gauges. The soundings are referred to the tide gauges for obtaining the
depth of water.
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7. What is sounding? Explain different methods of sounding.
Ans: Sounding is an operation analogous to leveling on land. Determination
of bed depth of a water body (depth below the surface of water) is called
sounding.
• The measurement of depth below water surface
• This corresponds to the ordinary sprit leveling in land
• In sounding the depth is measured below a datum.
• The objective of sounding is to determine the configuration of
subaqueous source.
1. Direct method (Instrument used in sounding)
(a) Sounding Rods
• Length 5 – 8 m, diameter 5 – 10 cm.
•With two or three pieces screwed together (for convenience to use
according to the required length).
• Generally graduated in meter, decimeter and 5 cm from bottom upward
(thus reading directly gives the depth).
• The rod is provided with a lead shoe of sufficient weight to avoid sinking
in the mud/sand.
• Drawback: difficult to hold vertically (due to current of water) which gives
inaccurate result.
(b) Lead Lines
• A graduated chain attached to the lead or sinker (with weight 5 – 10 kg,
depending upon the strength of the current and depth of water).
• Made of cotton but metallic (brass or steel) chains are also used.
• Before using it is stretched when wet to avoid elongation due to wetting.
This is repeated till the stretch is negligible.
• Then the lead line is graduated by tags (cloth pieces or leather) in every
meter.
(c)Sounding Machine
• Used when a large number of sounding are to be taken and when the
depth of water is large.
• The sounding machine may be automatic and hand- driven
• It consist of a barrel which can be rotated by the winding handle
• A lead weight is attached at one end of a flexible wire and the other end
is attached to the barrel
• The lead weight may be lowered or raised by winding handle
• The reading are observed from recording dial
• The machine is fixed over the well of sounding boat. It can be used to
measure depth up to 30m

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2.Indirect method (Instrument Used in sounding)
(a)Fathometers (Eco-Sounding)
• Fathometer is an echo-sounding instrument used for determining the
depth of ocean/large water body.
• Done by recording the time required for the sound waves to travel from
the point on the surface of the water to the bottom of the water body and
back again.
• Velocity of sound waves varies according the density of water, it may be
adjusted to read the depth of every type of water.
• It consist of transmitting unit and receiving unit.
• A sonic or super sonic impulse is transmitted by an oscillator fitted in the
bottom of the sounding vessels
• The return (echo) impulse is picked by the receiver also fitted on the
same vessel.
• It records time interval between transmission and reception.
• The depth is determined indirectly form the time of travel of the sound
waves from a point near the surface of water to the bottom of the sea and
back to the water surface.
• The depth (h) is given by the relation
2h’= v*t
h’= vt/2
v= speed of sound in water
t= time interval between transmission and reception of wave
𝑑
h= (ℎ′ )2 − ( )2
2

Advantages of using Fathometer

• Gives truly vertical and accurate depths.

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• The records of depths are plotted on a drum and a continuous profile of
the bottom is obtained.
• Can be used in strong currents and bad weather condition where lead
lines cannot be used.
• Sound wave is not disturbed in general.

8.Explain the methods of location sounding with suitable diagram.

Ans: The methods for Locating sounding (Horizontal Position) are:
• Observations entirely from the shore.
a) By tacheometer
The location of the sounding along the range is fixed by stadia observation
from the shore and the sounding is measured with a sounding rod.

Fif (a) fig (b)

(b)Location by range and angle from shore
Soundings are located by sailing the boat along the range line and fixing
the position of soundings by theodolite on some traverse station at the
shore.( as shown in fig)
(c)Location by two angles from shore
Where it is difficult to keep the boat along the range in strong current
or it is impracticable to establish ranges, the soundings are located by the
measurement of two angles from the shore.

Observations entirely from the sounding Boat.

(a)Location by range and angle from boat

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 The angle is measured with a angle measuring instrument (e.g. sextant)
from boat

(b)Location by two angles from boat

Two angles are read simultaneously with a sextant from the boat, on
the three points located on the shore. (as shown in figure)

Observations from both the shore and the sounding boat .

(a)Location by range and time interval
It is assumed that the distance of soundings are proportional to the
time intervals. Soundings are made at different intervals as and when
required with the boat as constant speed.

(b)Location by one angle from shore and other angle from boat
This method is a combination of the two angle, one from boat and other
at shore.

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9. Explain briefly measurement of discharge by area of cross section
method. Write short current meter.
Ans: Cross section method
-Most common method for discharge measurement in river and artificial
channels.
• In this method the area of cross section is determined by ordinary
method of surveying
• The mean velocity of river is determined by current meter or floats
• The cross section on which above measurements are taken is called
measuring section.
• While selecting the measuring section we should consider following
point.
1. The river is regular in shape and straight up and down stream of the
section.
2. The river should be free from obstruction.
3. The flow is smooth because the water current affect the accuracy of
current meter.
4. The bed of the river should be uniform in shape and character.
5. The gauge section should be located at up stream of control section.
• The cross section of river is determined using sounding.
• The river is divided in to vertical strip of equal width known as
segment.
• The velocity of river at any section varies from top to bottom but
variation of velocity at cross section follows a well defined distribution.
• The mean velocity is used to determine discharge of river by using
formula, discharge= Area * Velocity.

Current meter
• Used to measure the stream velocity and gives better result than float.
• In this device a wheel mounted on vertical spindle is rotated by water
current.
• The number of rotation made by wheel is recorded by gearing or by
mean of electrical arrangement.
• Using number of rotation and time velocity of river can be calcu

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10.Explain measurement of the velocity of the river by float methods.
Ans: Measurement of velocity of river by float method
(a)Surface float
• Commonly used to measure the direction and velocity of water currents
• The float should be of light weight and of such a shape that it offers
least resistance to the floating body and water current.
• In order to make float visible at a distance a small flag of some brighter
color is attached to its top.
• A weight is attached at its bottom to keep it vertical.
• The distance travelled by the float can be determined from the starting
position and position of float after certain time ‘t’.
• The velocity of current can be found by using distance travelled and
time taken to travel distance.
• Different float with separate identification number or color are released
at interval and velocity is determined.
(b)Rod Float
• Generally a cylindrical tube of copper or brass, about 3 cm diameter,
and 2 to 6 m long.
• Sometimes, a wooden rod is also used
• A weight is attached at the lower end of rod so that it floats in upright
position with about 15 cm length projecting above the water surface.
• A small flag is attached at the upper end.
• The velocity of river is determined in similar way to the surface float.
(c)Subsurface float
• Also called a double float, consist of two floats, a surface float and sub
surface float.
• It gives the result independent of wind
• It consist of a cylinder slightly heavier than water , attached by a chord
to a surface float.
• The chord is so adjusted that the submerged float will move with that
layer of water whose velocity is desired to be measured.
• They are most suited in sea of deep rivers and never used on small
stream.

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11.What are the advantages and disadvantages of indirect sounding
over direct sounding?
Ans: Advantages of indirect sounding
 More accurate and gives vertical depth accurately
 It is more sensitive than lead line method
 It can be used even in strong current and when the weather is not suitable
for lead line method
 It gives continuous records of bed
 The sounding and plotting is done quickly
 Rocks below the softer bed can also be located

Disadvantages of indirect sounding:

 Air bubbles below the vessel may cause reflection of the sound wave
 For shallow depth, a correction is required because there is significant
difference between the inclined and vertical distance
 The instrument can not be used close to jetties and walls which may
reflect the sound wave. It would cause interference with wave coming
from the bottom.

12. Write Report on Canal surveying.

Ans: Report on canal surveying
Introduction:Canal surveying is the part of hydropower surveying where
the route from where water would pass is surveyed. The surveyed route is
the way from where the water incoming from intake would run and will be
discharge through powerhouse.
Terminologies used
Intake: Intake is the point from where the water is passed from reservoir
along with canal line to the powerhouse.
Canal line: Canal line is an alignment (or a way) where the intake water is
passed.
Powerhouse: Powerhouse is where the turbine is kept. The intake water is
passed to powerhouse which turns the turbine and produces electricity..

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(a)Planning: Planning is done in office time. It should be done precisely to
approximately estimate the different factors. It includes different factors
such as:
 Time and budget
 Area to be surveyed
 Manpower to be used
 Instrument to be used and its defects etc.
(b)Reconnaissance (Reccee):
Reccee is the preliminary done in order to get to know about the location
and more about the survey to be adopted. Here, small instrument like tape,
clinometer, compass, GPS could be taken into the field.
(c)Monumentation:
After the Reccee, Monumentation is taken into account where peg is dug
into the ground where control points would be established.
(d)Field sketch and Detail Survey:
Here, field sketch of the canal area is sketched and detailing is done where
detailing procedure should follow the given SOP (Standard Operating
Procedure).
(e)Computation and drawing:
After all the data is recorded, it is then computed (if required) and drawn
using appropriate software.
(f)Conclusion
After the completion of canal survey, the Topographic map of canal area
would be accomplished from which data acquisition can be easily done.
(13). Suppose Banepa municipality is planning to construct ring road
at Banepa valley. If you are hired as a Surveyor for overall survey
works from planning to construction. Describe overall steps, stating
the point to be considered in each step.
Ans: If Banepa municipality was planning to construct ring road at Banepa
valley and I were hired as a surveyor for overall survey works from
planning to construction, I would do it in following ways:-
Before planning the construction work in Banepa valley, first it should pass
the EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment). After the construction work is

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approved by EIA, further process is taken the construction work is
approved by EIA, further process is taken on:
Planning: The first operation of construction work is planning. Planning is
the essential step which determines the overall efficiency of construction
work. Planning includes:-
 Field Crew (Team leader, Surveyors, Assistants, Helpers, Porters,
Cooks, others as per the project requirement)
 Means of transportation (Aircraft, Horses, and Vehicle etc.)
 Instruments and Accessories
 Tentative camping location
 Alternative routes to be examined and tentative schedule of visiting
them
 List of local offices, representatives, knowledgeable persons to be
visited
 Field books and stationary
 Control point’s coordinated and D-cards
 And other miscellaneous things required
Points to be considered in planning:
 Purposed route should pass through more villages, cities, industrial
and religious areas, specially in case of road survey
 Route should pass perpendicularly through river having less
breadth
 Route should not pass through middle of religious areas,
agriculture areas etc.
 Earthwork should be as less as possible
 Route should be passed through geologically stable areas.

Reconnaissance: Reconnaissance is the first field operation where

surveyor himself/herself goes to the field and gets some idea about the
terrain of that area.
Reconnaissance report should include the following information and details
(Points to be considered in Reconnaissance):
 Topographic map of the area and a short description of the
topography
 The total length of each route, approximate gradients and the radii
of the curves
 The obligatory points, towns, passes, bridges etc. on the routes

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  The maximum discharge and high flood level of the rivers, width of
waterways required for various bridges
 Geological characteristic of the area and land use
 Availability of various construction materials, labor, machinery etc.
 Approximate volume of earthwork and cost of construction of each
route.
Detail Survey: Detail survey is carried out only if aforementioned details
are collected. Appropriate instrument (depending on the budget and area)
like TS, Theodolite, and GPS is used.
Points to be remembered:-
 No further work can be proceed without detail survey work
 Delayed survey increases the cost of project.
Computation, Plotting and Drawing: This is the operation which is done
in office. The computation of data is done (if needed) and plotting is taken
on. On the basis of data stored in total station, field book and sketch, the
final map of ring road is prepared. Plotting and drawing is done using
appropriate software like AutoCAD, ArcGIS.

Design/Paper location: The maps, plans and other details obtained during
Reconnaissance are used for the location of the route alignment in map.
Alignment is marked on the map while plotting the map.
Points to be considered in location survey:
 The changes in alignment should be as few as possible
 Gradient should not exceed with ruling gradient
 Radius of curve should be as large as possible
 Degree of curve should be as small as possible
 Number of bridges, culverts, retaining wall etc. should be minimum
in case of road
 Earthwork should be minimum as far as possible
Location survey: Now, the prepared road map is taken into account where
the marked alignment on the map is transferred into the ground with some
minor necessary changes (if needed). Total station is used to stake out the
points on the ground.
Construction survey: After the map is prepared and points on the map are
transferred to the ground, construction survey is taken on. This is the

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survey taken on during the construction work of road at Banepa. The whole
construction work of road survey is done.

14. Define Angle point. Briefly explain on control point establishment

and various factors that are needed to be considered in transmission
line surveying.
Angle point is the proposed location of the tower where the direction of the
transmission line changes from one direction to another direction.
Control point establishment is the process of making the unknown point
known with the help of different instruments. There are different methods
to establish control point some of which are:-
Horizontal survey: Horizontal survey is the survey where only the
horizontal control point (Easting, Northing) is determined. If the Elevation
in the data is not of concern then Horizontal survey is adopted. Instrument
like Theodolite is used for data collection.
Vertical survey: Vertical survey is the survey where only he vertical
control points (Elevation) is measured. Instrument like GPS, leveling etc.
Control survey: Control survey is the survey where both horizontal and
vertical control point is determined. Instrument like Total Station, GPS is
used for data collection. These instruments are used when the data should
be precise and accurate.
The various factors that are needed to be considered in transmission
line surveying are:-
Technical Aspect: The ground where Transmission line would pass
through or where transmission line towers are to be made should be stable
enough to withstand the weight of tower as well as future possible natural
disasters. The transmission line tower should be easily constructible and
maintenance in future.
Social Harmony: The route of Transmission line should be far away from
crowded areas. It should avoid the cultural and historical sites.
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Natural Harmony: While constructing Transmission line, natural views
should be conserved. There should be minimum clearance of forests and
should not constructed through the rare species areas.

15. Define route survey and Explain working operation of route survey
(procedure of route survey).
Ans: Route surveying is a branch of surveying which includes all fieldworks
and requisite calculations together with maps, profiles and other drawing
that involved in the planning and construction of any route of
transportations.
Route surveys are the surveys of highways, public streets, government
access roads (State forest roads, National forest roads, etc.), electrical
transmission lines, railroads, canals, and pipelines. Route surveying is a
branch of surveying which includes all fieldworks and requisite calculations
together with maps, profiles and other drawing that involved in the
planning and construction of any route of transportations.

Working Operation of Route Survey:

(a)Planning:
After EIA and other requirement analysis, if we decide to construct route
than we move towards operation of route survey. First stage of operation is
planning. It is basically office operation, where the relevant maps and
documents are collected from secondary sources and a detailed plan for the
field operation is designed. In this stage best feasible route or alignment is
selected on a existing map.
Some points to be considered while planning the best route are:
-Purposed route should pass through more villages , cities, industrial and
religious areas specially in case of road survey.
-Route should pass perpendicularly through river having less breadth.
-Route shouldn’t pass through middle of religious areas, agricultural areas
etc.
-Earth work should be as less as possible.
-Route should be passed through geologically stable area.

(b) Reconnaissance
Reconnaissance survey is conducted to collect the topographical
information between two terminals for the best route . It is first field
operation. It is a preliminary examination of the entire area to select the
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best route and estimate the cost of project. Some works in Reconnaissance
survey are as follows:
-Data of rivers, culverts , subways etc. are collected.
- Maximum discharge of river, HFL, breadth of river etc. are collected.
- Earthwork ,volume and cost of proposed route should be estimated.

For rough estimation of elevation, distance instruments like altimeter ,

passometer etc are used.

(c)Preliminary Survey
Preliminary survey is the detail investigation of the route selected from the
reconnaissance survey. The objective of the preliminary survey is to
prepare an accurate topographical map, longitudinal and cross-section of
the narrow strip along the selected route and to arrive at a fairly close
estimate of the cost of construction. The width of the belt to be taken for the
detail survey depends up on the route type for example.
– It is taken in the range of 100 to 200 m in case of highways.
– where as it is in the range 400-500 m in case of railways.
Preliminary survey serves the following purposes:
- fix accurately the maximum grade for use in Location survey
- determine the best line
- provide a map as basis
- make a close estimate of the cost of work
- secure, in certain cases, legal rights by filing plans

(d) Computation, Plotting & Drawing

This operation can be done in office. On the basis of the data stored in total
station, booked in field books, kept in sketches; the planimetric details and
altimetric details are plotted and the final topographical map is prepared
for designing the components of the project structures. The remarks are
made clear if necessary and the point data are plotted using appropriate
mapping software. The most commonly used software in engineering
drawing is AutoCAD(Land Development).

(e) Designing/Paper location

The maps, plans and profiles obtained in the preliminary survey are used
for the location of the route alignment in map. It is called paper location
because alignment is marked on a stripe map after collection of
topographical data from preliminary survey.
Some considerations are:
• Route should not has to be change as much as possible.
• Gradient should not exceed with ruling gradient.
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• Radius of curve should be as large as possible.
• Degree of curve should be as small as possible.
• Number of bridge ,culverts, retaining wall should be minimum in case of
road survey.
• Earth work should be minimum as far as possible.
(f) Location Survey
In location survey or laying out survey, the route alignment marked on the
map is transferred to the ground with some minor necessary changes. In
this stage of route survey the route alignment is set out on the ground and
staked out.

(g) Construction Survey

The construction survey refers to survey operation that is operated during
the layout stage of the construction work and its monitoring or
construction supervision. Final stage of the route survey is construction
survey it consists of setting out of the details of the route on the ground.
The main propose of this survey is to re-establish the points, line and
gradients on the ground during construction.
Following surveying operations are done in construction survey.
1. Relocating the missing stakes established during location survey.
2. Checking benchmarks and running center line level.
3. Setting slope and grade stakes.
4. Setting stakes for layout of a bridges and culverts.
5. Setting out curves.

16.What are the common guide lines of route survey.

Ans: A few common guide lines are as follows:
1. Make a clear list of short forms of the remarks and put them into the
instrument, that reduces time of entering remarks during survey .
2. Make a clear and separate sketch for each observation station, that makes
easy for plotting and trace out repeats in case of mistake.
3. Optimize observation points, as for example never take four corners of
rectangular houses because three are sufficient to plot them .
4. If you have to pick up a circular detail don’t take many points at
circumference only two points at the end of diameter and show it in sketch .
5. Always take a pair of points at the edges of linear features like roads
canals etc. at each and every bent but not in between. But if the structure is
parallel not observe in pair but in single edge and note the width once.
6. Always keep in mind the targeted scale of map while selecting the detail
for observation. It serves you for completeness in content.
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7. Always keep in mind the extent to be surveyed it saves you from
incompleteness and survey of unnecessary area.
8. Pick up the spots where there is change in direction either in vertical or
in horizontal or both, that helps for accurate depiction of topography.
9. Ignore the change in slope that are with in the change in elevation of
contour interval.
10. Don’t miss to pick up valley lines, stream lines, ridge lines, depressions,
passes and peaks which give real topographic picture.
11. Don’t miss to pick up important and permanent details, big boulders,
single trees.
12. Don’t leave the boundaries of the Land cover/Land use patches
unclosed.
13. Always note the date and time of observation for each instrument set
up. Starting and ending serial number of the detail observed from a
particular station.
14. Always write the serial no. of the detail in it's sketch but never for only
spot heights.
15. Use mirrors and flags of different color and make your own sign
language to communicate with the helpers carrying reflectors; or use cell
phone if feasible.

17. Explain Longitudinal and cross-section survey (profile ) briefly.

Ans: Longitudinal and cross-section survey can be taken by using various
techniques depending up on the project requirement and topography of the
terrain. If precise elevation difference is to be depicted sprit leveling can be
run for the profile. If less accurate survey is sufficient to fulfill the purpose
of the project trigonometric leveling can be done by using tachometer and
stadia rod. But these days Total station instrument is becoming popular for
most of the projects. While running longitudinal section survey chainage
should be noted down clearly and elevation should be observed accurately.
Two methods can be applied for observation of longitudinal section of a
route by using total station.
– Coordinate method.
– Distance & Elevation method.

In Coordinate method, all the points at the provided interval are made on
the ground along the route and their 3D coordinates are observed by total
station using the previously established 3D control points. The distances
between the points are calculated from the coordinates and chain ages of
each points are determined by adding these length segments and the
longitudinal section is plotted as distance VS elevation on specified scale.

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In distance and elevation method the connected distance between the
pre-marked position along the route are directly observed with the total
station and also the elevation of each point is observed simultaneously. In
the similar manner the cross-section can be observed.
For x-section there are two different approaches can be applied
(1) equal interval approach
(2) change in slope approach.
In equal interval approach the section is taken perpendicular to the route
at a particular interval (chainage) of the center line of the route in a fixed
interval. Where as in change in slope approach the interval of the distance
in the section is not kept fixed but observations are taken at the points
along the x-section lines, wherever the slope changes significantly.
Another approach of developing longitudinal and cross-section is to derive
section from the precisely drawn contour map. This is rapid and less
expensive approach but the accuracy is always less than the direct survey
approach.
L-Section

18. Write short concept of transmission line. Explains steps of

transmission line survey. Explain why hydrographic survey?
Ans: A transmission line is a system of conductors that transfers electrical
signals from one place to another. The rising and falling of the waves moves
the buoy-like structure creating mechanical energy which is converted into
electricity and transmitted to shore over a submerged transmission line..
• Transmission line Survey is the route surveying carried out for the
designing and construction of the transmission towers and transmission
line to transmit the generated electricity from one location (mostly
remote area) to the load centers.
(a)Desk Study(Planning)
• Completely Office work
• Most feasible routes and location of the angle points are selected
• Mostly 3 optional alignments are selected.
• Topographic Maps, Google Earth Imaginaries and Satellite Imaginaries
are used.
• Auto CAD and Arc GIS are the software used.
(b)Reconnaissance Survey
• Walk over survey is performed along the optional routes and the most
feasible route is selected and the location for the Angle Points are
selected.

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• The GPS coordinates of the proposed Angle Points are marked.
• The modification in the most feasible route is done and the new angle
points and the new proposed route is proposed for further works.
(c)Control Survey
• One Group performs traverse along the route.
• Link traverse is performed in Transmission line Survey.

• While performing traverse , the traverse point are selected near the Angle
Points and near the route of the alignment.
• During the traverse the group at foresight station also selects the feasible
location for the angle point and a back sight station for the angle point is
monument.
• The Easting, Northing and Height is provided to the Angle point and Back
sight point for AP.
• The Traverse Group also fill the form of the D-Card which consist of
various detail like land owner’s name, full location of land, land type, etc.
• In recent time DGPS are also preferred for control Survey.
Selecting the Angle point
1. Minimum deflection angle as far as possible.
2. Deflection angle ranges from 0 to 56 degree.
3. The deflection angle should not exceed 56 degree in normal cases.
4. The location of the Angle point should be geologically stable and should
have minimum area for its erection and must have some area for its
shifting from the proposed point.
5. The route should be nearer to the access road so that it is easy for the
transportation at construction phase.
6. The route should have minimum crossings of Major Rivers, Railway
lines, National / State highways, overhead power lines and
communication lines.
7. 7. The number of angle points shall be kept to a minimum.
8. 8. The distance between the terminal points specified shall be kept
shortest possible

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9. 9. Marshy and low lying areas, river beds and earth slip zones shall be
avoided to minimize risk to the foundations and towers.
10. 10. It would be preferable to utilize level ground for the alignment.
11. 11. The alignment should not touch the houses, army champs e.t.c.
including its right of way (RoW).

(d)Detail surveying
• The Detail group only perform the route surveying along the route
determined by the traverse group the RoW.
• The survey should clearly show rivers, rivulets, road, foot tracks, nearer
house, etc.
(e)Drafting
• Data collected at field is processed.
• Data is plotted in Auto CAD using DTM software (SW- DTM) or other
• The contour maps are drawn.
• The plans and profiles are produced in printable format showing the
important features in it.
• Mostly contour interval of 5 meters in hilly region and 1 meters in Terai
region.
(f)Final Report Preparation
• Final Report is prepared consisting of the procedures followed, work
done at field, D-card of Angle Points and Permanent control points,
reason for the greater deflection angle s at AP in case it is encountered.
• Why Hydrographic survey?
• – Deals with bodies of water such as bay, river or lake.
• – Conducted for the determination of water areas, volumes and levels,
rate of flow, and the form and characteristics of underwater surface.
• – Conducted for planning and designing engineering projects related to
large water bodies.
• – Conducted for the preparation of nautical charts used for navigation.

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• – Conducted for the determination of submarine contours (fathoms) and
for the location of other topographical features related to large water
bodies.
• (Submarine Contours: The imaginary lines joining the points of equal
depth of water below the

19. Explain briefly Mass Haul diagram.

Ans: Mass-haul diagrams (MHD) are used to compare the economics of the
various methods of earthwork distribution on road or railway construction
schemes. With the combined use of the MHD plotted directly below the
longitudinal section of the survey centre-line, one can find:
-The distances over which ‘cut and fill’ will balance.
-Quantities of materials to be moved and the direction of movement.
-Areas where earth may have to be borrowed or wasted and the amounts involved.
-The best policy to adopt to obtain the most economic use of plan.

Mass Haul diagram:

•Diagrammatic representation of earthwork volumes along a linear profile
•Horizontal stationing is plotted along the X-axis
•Net earthwork values are plotted along the Y-axis
•An Earthwork Profile is a plot of the net earthwork along a roadway or
airstrip
•Net cut values are plotted above the X-axis (positive Y value)
•Net fill values are plotted below the X-axis (negative Y value)
•Presents a picture of the earthwork requirements
•Upward sloping curves indicate (rising left to right) indicate a cut
•Downward sloping (falling left to right) curves occur in a fill section
•Peaks indicate a change from cut to fill and valleys occur when the
earthwork changes from fill to cut

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•The cumulated volume of earthwork at the horizontal axis (Y=0) is 0
•When a horizontal line intersects two or more points along the curve, the
accumulated volumes at those points are equal

•A negative value at the end of the curve indicates that borrow is required
to complete the fill

•A positive value at the end of the curve indicates that a waste operation
will be the net result

(+cut) (-Fall) (+Waste)

20. Explain selection criteria of bridge survey. Explain the

characteristics of an ideal site for a bridge across a river

Ans: Selection Criteria For Bridge Site:

1. The choice of the right site is a crucial decision in the planning and
designing of a bridge.
2. It may not be possible always to have a wide choice of sites for a bridge.
3. This is particularly so in case of bridges in urban areas and flyovers.

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4. For river bridges in rural areas, usually a wider choice may be available.
5. For selecting a suitable site for a major bridge, the investigating engineer
should make a reconnaissance survey to get impression of the landscape
and to decide on the type of the structure to the site.
6. Care should be taken to investigate a number of probable alternative sites
and then decide on the site which is likely to serve the needs of the bridge
at the least cost.
7. A brief description of the reasons for the selection of a particular site
should be furnished in the investigation report along with salient details
of alternative sites investigated and rejected

The characteristics of an ideal site for a bridge across a river are:

a. straight reach of the river.
b. Steady river flow without cross currents:
c. A narrow channel with firm banks
d. Suitable high banks above high flood level on each side.
e. Rock or other hard in erodible strata close to the river bed level.
f. Economical approaches danger of floods, the approaches should be free
from obstacles such as hills, frequent drainage crossings, scared places,
graveyards or built up areas or troublesome land acquisition
g. Absence of sharp curves in the approaches;
h. Absence of expensive river training works;
i. Avoidance of excessive underwater construction.

21.What is the main purpose of a bridge? Explain Bridge Classification

by Geometric Shape.
Ans: The purpose of a bridge is to allow people or cargo easy passage over
an obstacle by providing a route that would otherwise be uneven or
impossible.
Bridge Classification by Geometric Shape:
(a)Straight Bridges
If the bridge axis follows a straight line, then it is a straight bridge, as shown
in The bridges should be constructed in straight to avoid the extra forces
such as torsions and to simplify the bridge design, analysis, and
construction.
(b)Skewed Bridges
Skewed bridges (Fig. 1.9B) are often used in highway design when the
geometry cannot accommodate straight bridges. Skewed bridges are
generally not preferred and sparingly chosen due to the difficulties in the
design. However, it is sometimes not possible to arrange that a bridge spans
square to the feature that it crosses, particularly where it is necessary to
keep a straight alignment of a roadway above or below the bridge. On this
occasion, a skew bridge is required.
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(c)Curved Bridges
In comparison with a straight bridge, a curved bridge is more difficult in
both design and construction. Most highway and railway bridges follow a
straight alignment, while some bridges need to be designed as partly or
wholly curved in plan for different purposes. For road bridges, like
interconnected urban vehicular overpasses, curvature is usually required
for the convenience in spatial arrangement. For pedestrian bridges,
curvature may be employed either for providing users a unique spatial
experience, to bring them into unattainable locations, or for esthetic
purposes

22. Define angle point and deflection angle. Explain Issues and option
on transmission line development.
Ans: Angle Point is the proposed location of the tower where the direction
of the transmission line changes from one direction to another direction.
Deflection angle is the angle between the back transmission line extended
forward and the forward transmission line at the angle point.
Issues and option on TL development
• Planning
 Non-coherence/consistency in Generation, Transmission and
Distribution Planning
• Financing and Budgetary
 Lack of adequate Financing of Transmission Lines: huge capital
investment requirement, limited financing capability of NEA/GoN
 Uncertainty in Yearly Budget Allocation
 Budget Lapses at year end
• Existing Rules and Regulatory
 Over-burden in plantation of trees and purchase of Land for Plantation.
• Decision Making and Coordination
 Delay in decision making
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  Lack of Coordination among different agencies concerned to TL and S/S
Projects
• Design and Construction Standards
 Un-updated construction Standards, Specification and Design for TL
and S/S Projects.
• Right of Way and Social
 Right of way and Compensation issues

23. Explain General Criteria for selection of Transmission Line Route

survey and General Criteria for selection of Sub-Station
Ans: General Criteria for selection of Transmission Line Route
1.Technical Aspect
-Should Stand on Stable ground with minimum possible route gradient.
-Easy construction and maintenance in future.
2. Social Harmony
-Should be diverted from existing populated areas and potential expansion
areas.
-Cultural Aspects and historical sites should be avoided.
3. Natural Harmony
-Natural views should not be spoiled.
-Minimum of forest and plantation clearance.
-Conservation areas and inhabitation of rare species should be avoided.
General Criteria for selection of Sub-Station:
1. Load Center
-Near to heavily populated and industrial area which results in less energy
lost.

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2. Environment
-Should be away from future expansion areas including residential area and
industrial area
3. Land Form
-Empty, flat and stable land with high bearing capacity for economic
construction and natural disaster prevention
4. Construction
-Appropriate area for future expansion of substation and distribution
network
- Access road for transportation of heavy equipments.

24. Define tunnel survey. What does tunnel surveyor do?

Ans: Tunnel survey :
• Tunnel surveying is a type of underground surveying for the construction
of tunnels, usually constructed in the mountainous region
• Tunnels are employed for underground railways or roads to with
objective to relieve the traffic congestion, shorten travel distance, protect
the route from natural disaster like avalanches and so on
• Tunnels are also used in mining operations
• Tunnels might entered either on the level or by inclines
Tunnel surveyor do:
The main work of the tunnel surveyor is to provide horizontal and
vertical surface control, to locate the points underground and to
determine the elevations of these points
In addition, he/she has to do some or all of the following works:
• To conduct survey at surface and subsurface mine workings, tunnel and
passageway sites and underground storage facilities to control
direction and extent of mining
• To make instrument reading of sun or stars and calculate longitude and
latitude to determine tunnel location (Astronomical Observation)
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 • To direct survey technicians and helpers in use of electronic surveying
equipment, light emitting systems, plumb bobs to transfer surface
positions and directions to underground areas
• Mining cartography – preparation of the map of mine and to estimate
the minerals which can be removed
• To determine the most suitable alignment of the underground roads so
that minerals can be easily removed and to locate galleries and air
passages
• To determine levels of underground beds
• To measure the vertical depths in shafts and to conduct underground
leveling
• To determine the most suitable alignment of tunnel and to determine
the final length and profile of the tunnel

24. Define dam explain Classification of hydropower projects on the

basis of Storage capacity.
Ans: Dam
A massive wall across a flowing stream or river to hold water at the upstream
side. Dam is used as a reservoir, when a dam is built across a river to hold back
the water and form a reservoir. Dam is also used to prevent flooding.
Classification of hydropower projects on the basis of Storage capacity
1.Run off River type (RoR)
•No storage available
•Water from river directed to channel and electricity generated
•Power is altered due to variation in river flow.
2. Peaking Runoff River Type (PRoR)
•Short term storage to meet daily variation of electricity requirement.
3.Storage type
•Have large dams constructed and water is stored for a year or long on its
upstream reservoir
4.Pumped-storagehydropower(PSH)
•It is a configuration of two water reservoirs at different elevations that can
generate power (discharge) as water moves down through a turbine; this
draws power as it pumps water (recharge) to the upper reservoir.

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25. Write Short
(a) Underground Stations
• After fixing the centre line on the surface, the setting out of underground
line can be done by transferring surface line down the shaft
• Shaft is the vertical opening which reaches ground to tunnel roof
• The points are selected in the centre line near the mouth of each shaft
• The horizontal and vertical control are transferred to tunnel using shaft
• The underground station is usually established in the roof of the mine
• The points at the floor may be disturbed (displaced or lost) during
mining operation. Nowadays, the control points are fixed at the walls
using the brackets
• A hole about 20-25 mm diameter is drilled in the roof and a plug of hard
wood is driven into it. The exact station is established by setting a
marker, called spad, in the plug.
• A plumb bob is hung from the spad
(b) Mining Theodolite
• The mining theodolite is in many respects similar to an ordinary
theodolite, but is smaller in size
• The tripod is of the extension leg type
• The telescope level or the vertical level tube is very sensitive
• The telescope is provided with auxiliary telescope on the top or side for
greater flexibility in detailing
• In place where a tripod cannot be used because of space restriction, a
suspension type mine theodolite is used or bracket can be used to attach
the instrument to wall or roof
(c) Gyroscope

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 • Azimuths are ordinarily determined in survey work by measuring
angles from existing reference azimuth or by making observation on
the sun and stars
• However, in may conditions such as in mine surveys or where the area
is overcast with clouds, above methods would not be possible
• Gyroscope is useful for maintaining the orientation, gives the
geographical north direction
(d) Role of Transmission
• Electricity is generated at remote locations
• Demand is scattered over different geographical regions across the
country
• HV T L transport bulk power to demand centers
• Power handling capacity increases with voltage level
• Voltage level of industrial countries typically are 220 kV, 400kV 765kV
and more.
• In Nepal 132kV is the highest so far; few 220 kV lines under construction;
400 kV underway
(e) Setting out of Pipe lines

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(f) Gross Potential
•Total amount of energy that can be produced theoretically with out
consideration of feasibility of practical implementation of it.
•For this a river is divided into different portion (cascade).
•Potential at each portion is determined from its discharge and head of that
particular portion.
•Potential of all portion is added to find out theoretical potential of that
basin.

(g) Technical Potential

•It is impossible to generate all the capacity which is calculated theoretically
due to topographical, geological or other factors.
•Technical potential of hydropower in Nepal is said to be 42000 MW.

(h) Economical Potential

•Despite the good geological and topography, if some projects fails to generate
benefits, it is not recommend for implementation.
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•Only those projects that can generate benefits are said to be economically
feasible and the corresponding potential is termed as economical potential

(i) Criteria for selection of reservoir location


-Area of minimum percolation (process of a liquid slowly passing through a
filter)
-Water tight base rock available
-Narrow opening of basin
-Easily accessible by road and reduced construction cost
-Adequate storage without submerging excessive land and other properties
-Area with higher depth attainable in smaller area. Higher depth lowers
submerged area/unit capacity : smaller area reduces loss due to
evaporation

(j)Criteria for selection of Intake

-Should be suitable to accommodate the construction of aweird own stream
of intake mouth
-Should be relatively permanent part of stream
-River Should not have large gradient up stream of intake
-Should be straight both upstream and downstream.

(k)Selection of canal/tunnel alignment

-Path should be stable and not threatened by landslides or falling rocks
-Should not contain obstructions that would hinder construction, make
construction expensive or shorten the life of canal.

(l)Selection of penstock alignment

-Preferred to minimize penstock length and choose forebay and
powerhouse location accordingly
-Should be feasible to layout penstock at the optimum alignment(while
mild slope increases length, steep slope reduces stability and raises
difficulty in layout
-Should be preferably straight, both in plan and elevation
-Should have appropriate location at the toe for construction of
powerhouse.

(m) How can we get electricity from water?

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The theory is to build a dam on a large river that has a large drop in
elevation. The dam stores lots of water behind it in the reservoir. Near the
bottom of the dam wall there is the water intake. Gravity causes it to fall
through the penstock inside the dam. At the end of the penstock there is a
turbine propeller, which is turned by the moving water.
The shaft from the turbine goes up into the generator, which produces the
power. Power lines are connected to the generator that carry electricity to
your home and mine. The water continues past the propeller through the
tailrace into the river past the dam. By the way, it is not a good idea to be
playing in the water right below a dam when water is released!

(n) How does turbine works?

A hydraulic turbine converts the energy of flowing water into mechanical
energy. A hydroelectric generator converts this mechanical energy into
electricity. The operation of a generator is based on the principles
discovered by Faraday. He found that when a magnet is moved past a
conductor, it causes electricity to flow. In a large generator, electromagnets
are made by circulating direct current through loops of wire wound around
stacks of magnetic steel laminations.
These are called field poles, and are mounted on the perimeter of the rotor.
The rotor is attached to the turbine shaft, and rotates at a fixed speed. When
the rotor turns, it causes the field poles (the electromagnets) to move past
the conductors mounted in the stator. This, in turn, causes electricity to

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