In the first part of our project, we prepared a grading plan. Now, Paver Pete explains how follow this plan to shoot grades. We'll use a few different tools.
Proper planning of excavation helps to:
Reduce trucking time
Prevent over excavation
Control the quantity of materials
We always start with marking all utilities.
Now, the layout needs to be done before we start staking.
STEP 1: Identify 2 fixed points and triangulate them to find the center point every other point can be measured from.
In this case, this point is at the centre of the lower section, illustrated in the first post.
It is at 32 feet from the left point, and 30 feet from the one on the right.
STEP 2: Position a stake where the tape measures cross when aligned with the center point between the left and right positions.
STEP 3: Determine the grades.
Here are tools that can be used for this step:
This tool allows us to figure out from the benchmark how much lower or higher any particular point is. It is very easy to use during a preliminary visit to the client's home and can help to prove to the client what the necessities are. For example, if a wall needs to be built.
Bring it to the benchmark and make sure to set it to zero. Then, you can measure the other elevations from this point.
On this project, when we measured the elevation at the previously determined center point, it indicated 13 inches. This means 13 inches lower than the benchmark.
Mark a point on a vertical surface at the benchmark location.
Drop a tape measure below the optical transit. Since the tape measure is 4 inches long, we know that 4 inches need to be added to the number the tool will indicate.
Aim the optical transit at the mark. Repeat these steps for all the points and document the measurements.
A laser level is the most accurate system.
Set up the tripod.
Here, we are using a handheld receiver. Bring the receiver to the benchmark. Power it on and hold down the benchmark button to set the benchmark.
Calculate all the other points.
In this example we got a grade measurement of 4 1/8 inches between the point we reached and the benchmark. This would be indicated on the grading plan as 0" - 4 1/8".
Time to start painting.
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