See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/294890217

STEPS OF HIGHWAY SURVEY

Presentation · February 1983

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.3583.2088

CITATIONS READS

0 6,174

1 author:

Osama Ragab
Sohar University
23 PUBLICATIONS   9 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

The Nile River - Book Project - Multi-authored book published by Springer Int. Publisher in 2017, Vol 56, series of Hdb of Environmental
Chemistry View project

All content following this page was uploaded by Osama Ragab on 18 February 2016.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

STEPS OF HIGHWAYS
SURVEY
Prepared by:
Dr . Osama Ibrahim

22-2-2016
 Engineering Surveys for Highway locations

Before a highway alignment is finalised in highway project, the

engineering survey are to be carried out. The various stages of
engineering surveys are:

1- Map study (Provisional alignment Identification).

2- Reconnaissance survey.
3- Preliminary survey.
4- Final location and detailed surveys.
 MAP STUDY
From the map, alternative routes can be suggested in the office, if the topographic
map of that area is available. The probable alignment can be located on the map
from the fallowing details available on the map.

1- Avoiding valleys, ponds or lake

2- Avoiding bend of river
3- If road has to cross a row of hills, possibility of crossing through mountain pass.

Map study gives a rough guidance of the routes to be further surveyed in the field.
 RECONNAISSANCE SURVEY:
1- To confirm features indicated on map.

2- To examine the general character of the area in field for deciding the most feasible
routes for detailed studies.

3- A survey party may inspect along the proposed alternative routes of the map in the
field with very simple instrument like a bney level, tangent clinometer,
barometric…. To collect additional details.
 Abney levels typically include scales graduated in
measuredegrees of arc, percent grade, and in topographic Abney
levels, grade in feet per surveyor's chain, and chainage
correction.

The task of the system is the aerial reconnaissance of an

area for primary survey. Units: BNS-98 dose-rate
transmitter, NDI-65/SK intelligent scintillation
 Details to be collected from alternative routes
during this survey
1- Valleys, ponds, lakes, marshy land, hill, permanent structure and
other obstruction.
2-Value of gradient, length of gradient and radius of curve.
3- Number and type of cross drainage structures.
4- High Flood Level (HFL).
5- Soil Characteristics
6- Geological features.
7- Source of construction materials – stone quarries, water sources.
Prepare a report on merits and demerits of different
alternative routes.

As a result, a few alternate alignments may be chosen

or further study based on practical considerations
observed at the site.
 Preliminary survey:
Objective of preliminary survey are:
1- To survey the various alternative alignments proposed after the reconnaissance
and to collect all the necessary physical information and detail of topography,
drainage and soil.

2- To compare the different proposals in view of the requirements of the good

alignment.

3- To estimate quantity of earthwork materials and other construction aspect and

to work out the cost of the alternate proposals.
 Methods of preliminary survey:
1- Conventional approach-survey party : carries out surveys using the
required field equipment, taking measurement, collecting topographical
and other data and carrying out soil survey.

2- Modern rapid approach: By aerial survey taking the required aerial

photographs for obtaining the necessary topographic and other maps
including details of soil and geology.

3- Other studies: Drainage, Hydrological survey, soil survey, Traffic

and Material survey.
At the end, Finalise the best alignment from
all considerations by comparative analysis of
alternative routes.
 Final location and detailed survey
•The alignment finalised at the design
office after the preliminary survey is to
be first located on the field by
establishing the centreline.
 Location survey:
1- Transferring the alignment on to ground.

2- This is done by transit theodolite.

3- Major and minor control points are established on the ground and centre pegs are
driven, checking the geometric design requirements.

4- Centre lines tacks are driven at suitable intervals, say 50m interval in plane and
rolling terrains and 20m in hilly terrain.
 Detailed survey:
1- Temporary benchmarks are fixed at intervals of about 250m and a tall drainage
and underpass structure.
2- Earthwork calculations and drainage details are to be work out from the level
books.
3- Cross sectional levels are taken at intervals of 50-100min Plane terrain, 50-75min
Rolling terrain, 50 min built – up area, 20 min Hill terrain.
4- Details oil survey is to be carried out.
5- CBR value of the soils along the alignment may be determined for design of
pavement.
6- The data during detailed survey should be elaborate and complete for preparing
detailed plans, design and estimates of project.
 Drawing and Report

1- Key map
2- Index map
3- Preliminary survey plans
4- Detailed plan and longitudinal section
5- Detailed cross section
6- Land acquisition plans
7- Drawings of cross drainage and other retaining structures
8- Drawings of road intersections
9- Land plans showing quarries etc.
 New highway project

1- Map study
2- Reconnaissance survey
3- Preliminary survey
4- Location of final alignment
5- Detailed survey
6- Material survey
7- Geometric and structural design
8- Earth work
9- Pavement construction
10 Construction controls

View publication stats