What is setting out?
Setting out is the process of taking points from a design and marking them out on a physical space. Construction workers use a survey setout, focusing on these key points and guide markers, to aid projects and produce accurate building work. Typically, larger scale projects such as high-rise buildings or developments will require multiple setting out surveys throughout the project, ensuring continuity and accuracy as the project is progressing.
Why are setting out surveys important?
Setting out surveys are used for a variety of construction projects to bridge between a design on paper and a structure on the ground, including buildings and building extensions, roads, bridges, and tunnels. As well as guiding workers through the beginning stages of construction, setting out ensures the construction remains within the legal boundary. If building works fail to meet legal requirements, there could be lengthy legal disputes regarding these issues later in the project. Inaccurate setting out surveys can cause expensive mistakes and project delays, and they are commonly overlooked. Failure to set out can cause costly problems too, so which would require fixing. It is crucial for setting out to be completed by professional and experienced surveyors.
What equipment is used in setting out?
A total station – a tripod mounted with a modern theodolite with an Electric Distance Meter (EDM) which measures vertical and horizontal planes – is the main piece of equipment used for a setting out survey. The measured distances are used in conjunction with mapping software to provide a database of reference points. The points are marked out on the ground using wooden pegs or steel pins and string lines can then be used between the pins as another tool to mark the points on the ground.
Who conducts a setting out survey?
Some setting out engineers are qualified surveyors, but others may simply work alongside a surveyor consultant to perform a setting out survey. A setting out engineer is responsible for setting out the site, levelling and surveying the site (if they are qualified to do so), maintaining a site journal, overseeing quality control, regularly holding update meetings, resolving technical issues, planning and organising work and being the point of liaison between multiple teams.
At Lucion, our specialist surveyors can help your construction team with the surveying services we offer to ensure your project runs smoothly. Contact us to discuss setting out surveys on 0345 5040 303 or online.
