What Does Setting out Mean in Construction
What Does Setting out Mean in Construction
Setting out in construction is the process of transferring design proposals from drawings onto the ground. It involves establishing key points and guide markers to ensure accurate building takes place, as well as ensuring that the construction remains within the legal boundary.
Setting out typically begins with establishing a baseline to which all the setting out can be related, followed by fixing corner posts to the outline of the excavation area.
The process of setting out is essential for all construction projects that need to exist within a strict boundary, such as developments and high-rise buildings.
It is usually conducted by a surveyor or engineer and is the responsibility of the contractor. Errors in setting out can be very expensive, so it is important to use good work practices and techniques to minimize them.
What Are The 3 Methods Of Setting Out?
The three methods of setting out are horizontal alignment, vertical alignment, and cross-sections.
Horizontal alignment involves establishing the position of a structure on its baseline, while vertical alignment is used to establish the position of a building or other structure at an angle relative to it.
Cross-sections involve determining the shape and size of a structure by measuring its components such as walls, beams, columns etc.
What Are The Purposes Of Setting Out?
Setting out is the process of surveying where the positions and levels of buildings, roads, drainages, sewers, and all other engineering projects are already known.
The main reason for setting out (other than to guide the workers as they begin construction) is to ensure the construction remains within the legal boundary, meaning there will be no legal disputes later on, such as those regarding property boundaries and rights of access.
Other benefits include directing employees as they start work and guaranteeing that the construction stays within legal bounds.
What Is The Difference Between Surveying And Setting Out?
The main difference between surveying and setting out is that surveying involves producing a plan or map of an area while setting out begins with the plan and ends with a particular engineering project correctly positioned in the area.
Surveying is used to measure and map land features while setting out is used to transfer a building design onto the land itself so that builders can follow it during construction.
Setting out surveys is important for several reasons, such as ensuring construction is done within legal boundaries and enabling the construction team to build exactly to plan. A set-out survey is typically needed when preparing for any type of construction work.
What Instrument Is Used For Setting Out?
A theodolite or total station is used for setting out. The total station is set up over a control point that has known coordinates. It is then pointed at another control point in order to measure angles and distances and calculate coordinates.
The instrument must be leveled accurately in order to obtain accurate results. Once the instrument is calibrated, measurements can be taken and recorded.
Additionally, some total stations come with software that enables profile boards to be set out directly from any instrument station.
Who Is Responsible For Setting Out?
A setting-out engineer is responsible for setting out the site, leveling and surveying the site, overseeing quality control, and ensuring that the construction remains within the legal boundary.
Setting out engineers use site plans, technology, and precision instruments to pinpoint and mark structural features above and below ground before construction work begins.
Setting out engineers are not necessarily land surveyors but they must have a third-level degree in an engineering discipline as well as industry or business experience.
Their duties include providing technical support, advice, and input on a construction site, determining the locations for infrastructural installations, supervising and monitoring the site labor force and work of subcontractors,
Planning the work, efficiently organizing plant and site facilities to meet deadlines, and ensuring that construction stays within legal bounds.
