Examples: Distance Measurement and Layout

1. The length of a line AB measured with a 50-m tape is 465.285m. When the tape is
compared with a standardized tape it is found to be 0.016m too long in almost the
same conditions of support, tension, and temperature that existed during
measurement of the line. Determine the correct length of AB.
2. A rectangular lot was measured using a 50-m steel tape which was found to be
0.025 m too short. If the recorded length and width of the lot are 180.455m and
127.062m, respectively, determine the following:
a) Actual dimensions of the lot
b) Error in area introduced due to the erroneous length of tape.
3. A steel tape, known to be of standard length at 20C, is used in laying out a
runway 2,500.00 m long. If its coefficient of linear expansion is 0.0000116 / C,
determine the temperature correction and the correct length to be laid out when
the temperature is 42 C.
4. A heavy 50-m tape have a cross sectional area of 0.05 cm2 has been standardized
at a tension of 5.5kg. If E = 2.10 x 106 kg/cm2, determine the elongation of the
tape if a pull of 12 kg is applied.
5. A 30-m steel tape weighing 1.45 kg is of standard length under a pull of 5 kg,
supported for full length. The tape was used in measuring a line 938.550m long
on smooth level ground under a steady pull of 10 kg. Assume E = 2.0 x 106
kg/cm2 and the unit weight of steel to be 7.9 x 10-3 kg/cm2, determine the ff:
a. the cross-sectional area of the tape,
b. the correction for increase in tension, and
c. the correct length of the line measured.

Additional Problems: Tape Corrections

1. A 30-m tape is supported only at its ends and under a steady pull of 8 kg. If the
tape weighs 0.91 kg, determine the sag correction and the correct distance
between the ends of the tape
2. A 50-m steel tape weighs 0.04 kg/m and is supported at its end points and at the 8-
m and 25-m marks. If a pull of 6 kg is applied, determine the ff:
a) Correction due to sag between the 0-m and 8-m marks, 8-m and 25-m marks,
and the 25-m and 50-m marks
b) Correction due to sag for one tape length, and
c) Correct distance between the ends of the tape.
3. A steel tape weighing 0.85 kg has a cross-sectional area of 0.05 cm2. The tape
measures exactly 30.00 m when supported throughout its length under a standard
pull of 5.5 kg. if the modulus of elasticity is 2.10 x 10 6 kg/cm2, determine the
tension required to make the tape equal to its nominal length when supported only
at the end points.
4. A line XYZ is measured on the slope in two segments. The first segment XY
measures 824.45 m and the second segment YZ measures 1,244.38 m. If the
difference in elevation between points X and Y is 4.25 m and that between Y and
Z is 6.47m, determine the horizontal length of the measured line.
5. Slope distance AB and BC measures 330.49m and 660.97m, respectively. The
difference in elevation are 12.22m for pts A and B, and 10.85m for pts B and C.
 Using the approximate slope correction formula for gentle slopes, determine the
horizontal length of line ABC. Assume that line AB has a rising slope and BC a
falling slope.

Combined Corrections
1. A steel tape have a standardized length of 30.00m, with 5 kg tension, at 30 C, and
supported throughout, was used to measure a distance over smooth, level terrain and
supported throughout under 9 kg of tension and at an average recorded temperature of
22C. The recorded distance was 915.258m. Determine the correct horizontal
distance. The weight of the tape is 0.60 kg. Assume coefficient of thermal expansion
equal to 0.0000116/C and E = 2.1 x 106 kg/cm 2. Assume the unit weight of the tape
is 3.8 x 103 kg/m3.

2. A 30-m tape weighs 12 g/m and has a cross section of 0.020 cm2. It measures
correctly when supported throughout under a tension of 8.5 kg and at a temperature of
20C. When used in the field, the tape is supported at its ends only, under a tension of
8.5 kg. The temperature is 13.5 C. What is the distance between the 0- and 30-m
marks under these conditions? Assume C = 0.0000116 /C and E = 2.10 x 106 kg/cm2.