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Setting Out Notes

The document outlines the process of setting out in construction, which involves transferring dimensions from a layout plan to the ground to establish the positions of building elements. It explains key concepts such as baseline, datum level, and trench layout, as well as methods for squaring small buildings, including the 3:4:5 method and the Builders Square method. Additionally, it describes the use of profile boards for controlling trench positioning and depth during excavation.

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2 views5 pages

Setting Out Notes

The document outlines the process of setting out in construction, which involves transferring dimensions from a layout plan to the ground to establish the positions of building elements. It explains key concepts such as baseline, datum level, and trench layout, as well as methods for squaring small buildings, including the 3:4:5 method and the Builders Square method. Additionally, it describes the use of profile boards for controlling trench positioning and depth during excavation.

Uploaded by

j20superville
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Building & Furniture Technology

Notes

Setting Out

It is the process of developing the physical positions of corners and walls of a building, and it is done
by transferring dimensions from the layout plan also called the setting out plan to the ground, with
the purpose of establishment of the marks and lines to define the position and level of the elements
for the construction work. The setting out clearly defines the outline of the excavation and the line
of the walls, so that the construction can be carried out according to the plan.

Baseline

The baseline is a straight reference line in respect to which the building's corners are located on the
ground

Datum Level

Datum Level is an arbitrary horizontal plane on a construction project used as a reference point for
all other vertical dimensions to be measured. It is used to highlight differentials between vertical
heights of floor levels along with differing levels of two separate points on the site

Trenches
The layout of trenches establishes the excavation size, shape and direction, as well as the width and
position of walls. Trenches are excavated once the building outline has been set out. The width is
often marked with a line of dots of dry lime powder for accurate excavation by hand, whereas the
centre line is marked for accurate machine excavation.

Profile boards
Profile boards are often used to control trench positioning, width and depth. In order that they do not
obstruct the excavation work, profile boards should be set up at least 2m clear of the trench positions.
The level of the profile crossboard should be related to the site datum and fixed at a convenient height
above ground level, often with cords strung between two profiles at either end of the trench. Bands
can be painted on the crossboard for identification purposes.
Methods for squaring small buildings during setting out
1. 3:4:5 method

2. Builders Square method


3:4:5 Method Procedure
To set out right angles in the field, a measuring tape, two ranging poles, pegs and three persons are
required.
Procedure:
1. A peg with a nail is fixed exactly at 3m from the corner peg on the fixed line.
2. A measuring tape is hooked to the nail on the corner peg and another tape is hooked to the
nail of the peg on the front line
3. Both the tapes are pulled towards the end wall and with distance of 4m showing on one tape
and 5m on the other tape. Where they cross third peg will be fixed
4. This will establish a line at 90 degree to the front line
Note: Instead of 3 m, 4 m and 5 m a multiple can be chosen: e.g. 6 m, 8 m and 10 m or e.g. 9 m, 12 m
and 15 m

Builders Square Method Procedure


Procedure:
1. Establish the base line.
2. Position one side of the large square on the base line, and make sure the second line is along
the other side of the square.
3. Repeat the same process on the other corners.
4. Finally check for diagonals which must be equal.

Note: The first line to be set out is the base line, and the positions of all the other walls are measured
and determined from this front line.
Profile layout

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