Name: Allan Knox

HNC Graded unit dx20 34

Date: 7/11/11

Question: 4

(i)

Explain why knowledge of surrounding ground levels is important when starting a new construction. It is Important to know the height of surrounding ground levels around a new site, as it is from these known heights relative to the ordinance datum that the ground level heights on said new site can be calculated. From these calculated heights on the new site it will be possible to accurately measure the depth of the water table under the soil and the depth of firm strata, thus allowing the design of the construction to be altered suitably. Heights of important features can be accurately created if the ground level on site is accurately mapped. It is also important to make sure that a building is in line with any connecting services nearby.

(ii)

Where would you obtain information on Ordinance Survey Bench Marks (OSBM) Ordinance Survey Benchmarks are benchmarks that have been spirit levelled by the Ordinance Survey. The OS policy is to maintain density of around 5 per km squared in rural areas and about 30 to 40 per km squared in towns and built up areas. Information can currently be found at: http://benchmarks.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/pls/htmldb/f?p=111:3:413 8581962044648608::NO:3::

(iii)

How would you find ground levels in a new green field construction site located remotely from any conurbations This could be achieved by measuring from the closest OSBM where a back-sight is taken, another staff is positioned at the first change point which takes a foresight of the first staff. By doing this in a chain it is possible to accurately measure ground height levels at all points leading towards the site. The last measurement being taken on site

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using the last change point as a reference. This is then repeated in the opposite direction to maintain accuracy.

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(iv)

What does TBM stand for and how is it used TBM stands for Temporary or Transferred Bench Mark. This is used if the OSBM is too far away to be practically measured from. In this case a temporary bench mark can be set up by chaining readings from a standard OSBM and a new Temporary Bench Mark that all readings can be taken from. These Temporary Bench Marks are set up in groups of 3 or more so that if one is destroyed the measurement can be recovered by referencing the other TBMs.

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