Setting out a site occurs in construction projects once the architects have finalised their plans, and data from a topographic survey has been collected.
What is setting out?
Also known as “staking out” or “laying out”, setting out in surveying is the practice of transferring the building design onto the land itself so that the workers can follow it during construction.
Key points and guide markers are set out to ensure accurate building takes place. Large-scale projects like developments and high-rise buildings often require multiple setting out surveys to ensure continuity across the site as the project progresses.
Why is setting out surveying so important?
The main reason for setting out is to ensure the construction remains within the legal boundary, meaning there will be no later legal disputes, such as those regarding property boundaries and rights of access. Setting out also guides workers as they begin construction.
When is setting out needed?
Setting out is necessary for all construction projects that need to exist within a strict boundary, including:
- Extensions on existing buildings
- Building anything (from a small dwelling to a retail park or a high rise)
- Roads, bridges, and tunnels
- Fences, Walls
- Solar Farm tables, cable trench routes, etc
Too often, the importance of correct setting out is neglected, especially on small scale developments, where people often think the cost is unnecessary. We have seen numerous examples of incorrect, inaccurate setting out which has ended up costing the developer a small fortune, as road layouts, plot positions, drainage layouts have all had to be amended as the development doesn’t fit within the site!
Who conducts a setting out survey?
A setting out engineer is not necessarily a land surveyor. These roles do differ in their daily demands and experience, but at Lucion, we understand the importance of having an understanding of both roles.
A setting out engineer is responsible for:
- Setting out the site
- Levelling and surveying the site*
- Overseeing quality control
- Keeping a site journal
Resolving technical issues
- Being the point of liaison between architects and the construction team
- Planning and organising work
*Sometimes the setting out engineer will be a qualified surveyor, and other times they will work alongside a surveyor consultant.
What equipment is used in setting out?
The telltale sign of any surveying work is the presence of a total station. This is a modern theodolite mounted on a tripod and fitted with an EDM (electric distance meter). It uses a movable telescope to measure both vertical and horizontal planes.
A total station will use electronic transit theodolites in conjunction with a distance meter to read slope distance. It measures distance accurately and can also be used in conjunction with mapping software to provide a database of reference points.
A measuring tape is used in smaller construction projects where a builder may not need to contact a surveyor to set out. In all projects, the setter out will use nylon strings to demarcate distances and boundaries within the development itself. This will be strung between pegs hammered into the ground at pivotal points and levelled using a spirit level.
To mark out foundation walling and other excavation points, the setter out will use white lime powder, as it is insoluble in water and therefore won’t wash away, even in bad weather.
Our experienced surveyors conduct setting out surveys on any size development.
Get in touch for a quote today on +44 (0) 345 5040 303.
