SETTING OUT

Setting out is the process by which information is taken from the construction design drawings,
and pegs, profiles or other marks are then set out to control the construction works and ensure
that each element of work is constructed in the right position and to the correct level.
Setting out is usually conducted after the site is cleared of any debris or obstructions and any
reduced level excavation work is finished. It is usually the responsibility of the contractor to set
out the building using the information provided by the architect. Accurate setting out is very
important and should only be carried out by competent persons and all their work should be
checked, preferably by different persons and using a different method.
In setting out, linear and angular measurements are taken using various methods and equipment.
Common surveying and setting out instruments
Type
Tapes
Theodolite
Automatic level
Digital level
Precise level
Optical plumb
Optical square
Total station

GPS
Laser instruments

Remarks
Steel tapes are used to measure distances. Suitable corrections are to be
done for the measurements.
Optical/manual (analogue) instrument for measuring angles
Set out a horizontal plane automatically
Also automatic, which establish and store the elevation of a point by
using a bar-coded staff and indicate it digitally on an LCD screen.
Also known as geodetic level. Only for very high accuracy control
Optical/manual instrument only.
For setting-out right angles over short distances only.
Most common electronic instrument used on site for the measurement of
both angles and distances. Measurement information displayed digitally
can be stored in a data logger.
Uses a range of positioning and setting out solutions using the Global
Positioning System (GPS) satellites.
Line laser, rotating lasers and laser plummets highly increase the
accuracy, but expensive.

The choice of which instruments to use depends upon many factors including,
size of the site
complexity of the work
precision/accuracy demanded
economics: the time a task requires may be a dominating factor.
Both horizontal and vertical setting out is done using various instruments.

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Horizontal setting - out

Theodolite and tape is still a common method for setting-out. Care must be taken to apply
corrections to all taped distances, however short. For accuracy, it is essential to check any angle
or distance that has been set out. This can be done by setting up the instrument at key positions
and observing all related points and comparing these angles with angles calculated from
construction drawing dimensions. This will locate any errors and confirm that the specification
has been met.
Total stations and GPS receivers are both commonly used for setting-out, and often combined.
The coordinates of points for setting-out can be uploaded directly from the design software into
the equipment and then software tools are displayed, which allow the surveyor to locate the
points to be set out.
A Total Station can be used to set out many points from one station, working on a coordinate
system or by bearings and distances. This method speeds up the setting-out process while
maintaining a high order of accuracy. Total Station technology is continually advancing and
these instruments provide the site engineer with useful information.
The choice of traditional or modern systems comes down to the following:
Theodolite and tape
low cost equipment
simple to use
requires two people operator and assistant
slow operations compared to Total Station
excellent for small, simple sites.

Total Station
reasonably inexpensive to hire
Requires familiarization with the functions and
operation of the instrument
efficient setting-out of multiple points
excellent for larger scale/more complex sites
requires a battery recharging supply

Baselines and grid lines

Although grid coordinates are increasingly common for setting-out buildings, baselines and
(setting-out) grid lines are still commonly used. If this is the case, the contract drawings should
indicate the baseline or grid lines to be used.
A baseline is suitable for small sites where referencing back to the baseline for all the works is
possible. Grid lines are preferable for larger sites where the baseline may be obscured by the
works as they progress or where referencing would be difficult.

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Use of baseline
A baseline comprises two setting-out stations a given distance apart. Point A of building X is set
out by taping dimensions 1 and 2 from the baseline and point B is set out by taping dimensions 3
and 4. The dimension AB is then checked against that required. Then the remainder of the
building can be set out from AB, which effectively becomes the baseline for the building. Corner
profiles can then be set out for the building.

Use of grid lines

Usually, a primary baseline is provided from which all other positions can be set out. It is normal
to establish a rectangular grid that includes all sides of the structure. The corner positions and the
centres of columns and their bases are set out from the baseline. Each corner is checked by
theodolite or Total Station, comparing observed and calculated angles. Any adjustment to the
points to meet specification is done at this stage. The grid lines should then be projected beyond
the construction area and referenced to well-constructed/permanent control stations.

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Ordnance benchmark In national ordnance survey maps, heights of locations are shown by
spot levels. These heights are measured relative to a datum called Ordnance Datum which is the
mean sea level at a particular location. From this datum, leveling surveys are made throughout
the country and the levels of large number of points permanently established by Ordnance
Benchmarks..
Temporary benchmark this is a fixed point on site to which all levels are related and should
be established at the early stage in the contract related to an ordnance bench mark.

Levelling
This is the process of establishing height dimensions, relative to a fixed point or datum. Datum is
mean sea level, which varies from country to country. Relative levels defined by benchmarks are
located throughout the country. Reference to Ordnance Survey maps of an area indicates
benchmark positions and their height above sea level, hence the name Ordnance Datum (OD).On
site, it is usual to measure levels from a temporary benchmark (TBM), i.e. a manhole cover or
other permanent fixture, as an OD may be some distance away.
Levelling Instruments
1.
2.
3.
4.

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Automatic Level
Levelling staff
Digital level
Digital staff

Setting out of construction works

Equipment for setting out
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Steel tapes
Levels
Theodolite
GPS equipment
Laser instruments
Pegs These are either 50 mm x 50 mm x 500 mm stakes for soft ground or 25 mm x 25
mm x 300 mm angle irons for hard standing.
7. Profiles A wooden stake to which a cross piece is nailed. For sewer work, profiles
called sight rails are preferable.
8. Travellers These are mobile profile boards used with sight rails
Setting out of buildings
The first step in setting out is to establish a baseline to which all the setting out can be related.
The base line is often the same as the building line which is a line whose position on site is given
by the local authority in front of which no development is permitted.

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Setting out trenches

There are two objectives in trench setting out.
1. to establish the excavation size, shape and direction
2. to establish the width and position of walls.
The outline of the building is set out and using this outline profile boards can be set up to control
the position, width and possibly depth of the proposed trenches. Profile boards should be set up
at least 2 m clear of trench positions so that they do not obstruct the excavation work. The level
of the profile cross board should be related to the site datum and fixed at a convenient height
above ground level if a traveler is to be used to control the depth of trench. Alternatively the
trench depth can be controlled using a level and staff related to site datum. The trench width can
be marked on the profile with either nails or saw cuts.

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Setting out of framed buildings

Framed buildings are usually related to grids, the intersections of grid lines being the centre point
of an isolated or pad foundation. The grid is usually set out from a baseline which does not
always form part of the grid. Setting out dimensions for locating the grid can either be given on a
drawing or they will have to be accurately scaled off a general layout plan. The grid is
established using a theodolite and marking the grid line intersections with pegs. Once the grid
has been set out offset pegs or profiles can be fixed clear of any subsequent excavation work.
Control of excavation depth can be by means of a traveler sighted between sight rails or by level
and staff related to site datum.

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References

Sadgrove, B.M., Setting out procedures for the modern built environment, Butterworth,
CIRIA

Chudley, R., Greeno, R., Building Construction Handbook, 7th edn, ButterworthHeinemann

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