Construction Survey

Description

Construction surveying is the setting of stakes or other markings used to control the elevation, horizontal position, dimension and configuration of constructed items. Construction staking will be performed to TxDOT standards and specifications as described in Chapter 6 of the TxDOT Survey Guide and TSPS Manual of Practice, for Category 5, Construction Survey. The specific services to be provided will be in accordance with Section 5.7, Method A or Method B of the Standard Specifications for Construction of Highways, Streets and Bridges, or any specific procedures required by the District. Current statistical studies show that construction staking carries the highest liability of all surveying activities. The surveyor must provide QA/QC office support to field personnel to insure mistakes are avoided and that stakes are marked appropriately. The surveyor must also communicate effectively with the area engineer, inspectors and contractors to insure staking is interpreted correctly.

Construction Survey Task Sequence and Quality Control Measures

a. Field inspect the construction site and discuss proposed staking with the construction contractor, project engineer or designated TxDOT representative. Determine in detail the staking required, the established procedures for reporting, and the format of any deliverables required. All construction staking performed by RODS Surveying is under the direct supervision of an RPLS who will coordinate directly with the construction contractor, project engineer or designated TxDOT representative.

b. Review and verify existing ground control or establish ground control. All horizontal ground control is established with static GPS and supervised by an RPLS who is a full time GPS mission planning and post processing specialist. Vertical ground control may be established with static GPS or differentially with digital levels depending on the project circumstances and the preferences of the District.

c. Secure copies of TxDOT construction plans and any calculation reports or point listings that might be available, and prepare electronic file of coordinate and elevation values for all points to be staked.

d. Compile all plans, maps and ground control information and review staking required with field crew (s) and lead technician selected for the project.

e. Set stakes and make field checks for stakes set before leaving site. All occupied and backsight station set ups and instrument heights are field checked by tying to a third control point before vacating the occupied station. Target poles are fixed height poles to minimize target height errors. Construction contractors, project engineers and designated TxDOT representatives are advised that all staking is preliminary and subject to change until all verification procedures are complete.

f. Process data collection files and review for errors and conformance to standardized procedures and policies. Advise construction contractor, project engineer or designated TxDOT representative that the verification process is complete and that stakes may be used.

g. Submit deliverables to construction contractor, project engineer, or designated TxDOT representative.

Construction Survey Deliverables

Deliverables for construction staking may include cut sheets, staking reports of points set, or plots of points set provided in hard copy and digital format. Cut sheets and reports will be prepared using Microsoft Word (.doc) and plots will be prepared using Microstation 8 (.dgn). This listing is representative of construction staking deliverables and may vary depending on the requirements of the individual District.