ENGINEERING TRIPOS PART IIA - 2012/2013

Project GD6 - Surveying

Leaders: Dr I Brilakis email: IB340 and Dr M Kuo email:myhk2

Project Type: Group
Project Category: Field
Prerequisites: None
Timing: Wednesdays 9-1pm and 2-6pm, Mondays 2-6pm and Thursdays 2-6pm

SUMMARY

This project introduces students with no previous surveying experience to the techniques of modern survey under near-realistic conditions. As well as being essential technical knowledge for any student who has an interest in any area of civil engineering, the course illustrates many of the problems and issues which are faced by engineers whenever accurate and reliable measurements have to be made under adverse conditions. A basic introduction to engineering geology is also included in the project.

Those students who have already been introduced to basic surveying through the Engineering Area Activity in Part IIA should choose Project GD5.

AIMS

• To familiarise students with the use of the principal surveying instruments: theodolites, levels, EDM's (Electromagnetic Distance Measurement) and GPS (Global Positioning System).
• To introduce the main techniques of field survey (traversing, levelling, resectioning, detail collection and setting-out) and of survey management (planning, adjustment, projection and mapping).
• To show how geographical considerations affect the planning of civil engineering constructions.
• To familiarise students with aspects of the construction process.

FORMAT

In Exercise 1, students will undertake stereonet calculations for a range of structural geology problems.

In Exercise 2, students will be introduced to field survey techniques.

Students work in groups of three, and each group is responsible for collecting and analysing its own data. Assessment will be based on the quality of work and results achieved in the field, as well as reports describing the work which has been done.

ACTIVITIES

Week 1: Introduction to engineering geology (exercise 1); basic use of surveying instruments, and techniques (exercise 2).

Week 2: Complete exercise 2, then site reconnaissance and planning.

Week 3:Traverse, detailing, point fixing and levelling (exercise 3).

Week 4: Adjustment, mapping, setting out and final report.

ASSESSMENT

Format: Submission Date - Marks

Exercise 1: Wednesday 22 May 2013 - 10 marks

Exercise 2: Monday 27 May 2013 - 25 marks (10 marks for group work, and 15 for individual work)

Final report:4pm Friday 7 June 2013 - 45 marks (20 marks for group work, and 25 for individual work)

Last updated: December 2012