N4 Buliding and Structural Surveying
REPORT 191 PROGRAMMES SYLLABUS
BUILDING AND STRUCTURAL SURVEYING
N4
SUBJECT CODE: 8060034
Implementation: January 2022
CONTENTS
General aims
Specific aims
Pre-requisite
Duration
Evaluation
Learning content
Mark allocation in the examination as an indication of the weighting of the different modules
Module 1: Basic principles of surveying
Module 2: Linear measurements
Module 3: Height measurements
Module 4: Basic concepts
Module 5: Angular measurement
Module 6: Setting out
Module 7: Areas and volume
Module 8: Plane table
Module 9: Compass surveying
General Aims
To provide and enhance students with knowledge and skills that are applied in the building industry.
To develop students’ ability to solve complex problems and adhere to safety standards and procedures.
Specific Aims
2.1 Systematic Understanding
The student should acquire a systematic understanding of practice, theory, and methodology in the building and structural surveying field.
2.2 Competencies Development
The teaching of this subject aims to develop knowledge, professional, and general competencies in:
Surveying
Building Construction
Pre-requisites
3.1 Educational Background
A student must meet at least one of the following requirements:
Completed National N3 certificate with Building Science or Building and Civil Technology.
Passed grade 12 with at least 50% in Mathematics or Natural Science and relevant Civil subjects.
Completed NC (V) level 4 in any Civil Engineering program.
Passed senior certificate for adult learners NQF level 4 (50% or D symbol) in Mathematics or Physical Science.
Duration
Full-time: 7.5 hours per week.
May also be offered part-time.
Evaluation
5.1 Continuous Assessment
Evaluation is conducted continuously through two formal tests at the college level.
Learner must obtain a minimum ICASS (Integrated Continuous Assessment) mark of at least 40% to qualify for the final examination.
The promotion mark will be calculated with the following ratio:
ext{Promotion Mark} = 40 ext{% of (ICASS mark)} + 60 ext{% of (Exam mark)}
5.2 Examination Structure
The examination in Building and Structural Surveying N4 will include:
Modules 1 to 9
MARKS: 100
DURATION: 3 HOURS
CLOSED BOOK:
Formula sheet attached to the question paper.
Scientific calculators allowed.
No programmable calculators allowed.
No references allowed.
No external examination papers or memoranda allowed.
5.3 Mark Weighting
Knowledge and Understanding: 30 – 40%
Applying: 30 – 40%
Analysing / Syntheses and Evaluating: 20 – 30%.
Learning Content
The subject should be illustrated and evaluated within the context of practical case studies.
It should also be illustrated and evaluated within the context of technical skills and simulation of a practical environment.
Mark Allocation in the Examination
Module Weighting
MODULE | WEIGHTING |
|---|---|
1. Basic principle of surveying | 15 |
2. Linear measurement | 15 |
3. Height measurement | 10 |
4. Basic concept | 10 |
5. Angular measurement | 10 |
6. Setting out | 10 |
7. Areas and volume | 10 |
8. Plane table | 10 |
9. Compass surveying | 10 |
TOTAL | 100 |
Module 1: Basic Principles of Surveying
General Aim
On completion of this module, the student should be able to comprehend and have a sound knowledge of the basic principles, objectives, and purpose of surveying.
Learning Content / Learning Outcomes
1.1 Surveying
1.1.1 Definition
Define the term 'surveying'.
1.1.2 Objectives and Purpose
Define the objectives, purpose, and principles of surveying.
1.2 Methods of Fixing a Point in Surveying
1.2.1 Methods
Sketch and list the following principles/methods of fixing a point:
Ties (Trilateration)
Sideways intersection
Forward intersection (Triangulation)
Resection
Perpendicular offsets (Rectangular offsets)
Length and Direction (Polar coordinates)
1.3 Types of Surveying
1.3.1 Categories
List and explain the following main categories of surveying:
Plane surveying
Geodetic surveying
1.4 Classification of Surveying
1.4.1 Types Based on Nature of the Field
List and explain:
Topographic surveying
Cadastral survey
Hydrographic survey
Engineering surveying
Astronomical survey
1.4.2 Types Based on Purpose
List and explain:
Mine surveying
Military surveying
Geological survey
1.4.3 Types Based on Method
List and explain:
Triangulation
Traversing
1.4.4 Types Based on Instruments Used
List and explain:
Chain survey
Compass survey
Theodolite survey
Plane table survey
Photographic and aerial survey
1.5 Types of Control Points
1.5.1 Definition
Define the term control point.
1.5.2 Types
Explain:
Trigonometric beacons (trig beacons)
Minor control points
Benchmarks
GPS control
Reference marks
1.6 Surveyor
1.6.1 Functions
Describe:
Fieldwork
Office work/administrative functions
Care and adjustments of instruments
1.6.2 Qualities
Describe the qualities of a good surveyor.
1.6.3 Purpose of Field Book
Explain the purpose of a fieldbook.
1.6.4 Survey Field Notes
List and describe:
Points to observe when taking field notes
Classification of field notes
1.6.5 Information in Field Book
List the information to be contained in the field book.
Module 2: Linear Measurements
General Aim
On completion of this module, the student should understand linear measurement concepts and apply corrections to linear measurement errors.
Learning Content / Learning Outcomes
2.1 Linear Surveying Method
2.1.1 Explanation
Explain:
Direct measurement
Measurement by optical means
Electronic method
2.1.2 Functions and Advantages
Explain the functions and advantages of electronic distance measurement.
2.2 Chain Surveying/Tape
2.2.1 Analysis
List the advantages and disadvantages of:
Chain
Steel tape
2.3 Field Problems
2.3.1 Explanation with Sketch
Explain with a neatly labelled sketch:
Measuring around building/pond
Measuring distance across a river/busy road
Obstacle to line of sight but not to measurement
2.4 Errors and Mistakes in Survey Measurements
2.4.1 Types of Errors
Explain:
Accidental errors
Constant errors
Systematic errors
Mistakes
2.5 Errors in Measurement and Corrections
Calculate the following error corrections that may occur during taping because of:
Sag
Tension
Slope
Temperature
Length
Altitude at sea level.
Module 3: Height Measurement
General Aim
On completion of this module, the student should understand and have a sound knowledge of levelling and apply the basic skills of reducing level.
Learning Content / Learning Outcomes
3.1 Definition of Levelling
3.1.1 Explanation
Explain the term levelling and its purpose.
3.2 Levelling Terminology
3.2.1 Terms Explained
Explain:
Mean sea level (M.S.L)
Local heights
Datum
Closure error
Official heights
A horizontal plane (horizontal line)
A plane
Direction of gravity
Vertical plane
Incline plane
Level surface (level line)
Benchmark (BM)
Foresight (FS)
Intermediate sight (IS)
Back-sight
Collimation line (line of sight)
Change point
3.3 Open and Close Traverse Levelling
3.3.1 Explanation
Explain the difference between close and open traverse levelling.
3.4 Errors in Levelling
3.4.1 Types of Errors
Explain:
Natural causes
Instrument errors
Personal errors
3.5 Levelling Equipment
3.5.1 Explanation
Explain the following types of levelling equipment:
Traveller/boning rod
Change plate
Dumpy level
Tilting level
Automatic level
Staff bubble
Levelling staff
Tripod stand
Bubble tube
3.6 Hand Signals
3.6.1 Understanding
Understand hand signals used by a good surveyor to communicate.
3.7 Reducing Levels
3.7.1 Calculation
Calculate the reduced levels by means of:
Rise and fall method
Collimation method
3.8 Collimation Error
3.8.1 Determination
Determine the collimation error by two peg test.
3.9 Reciprocal Levelling
3.9.1 Definition
Define reciprocal levelling.
3.9.2 Reduction
Reduce reciprocal levels by means of calculations.
Module 4: Basic Concepts
General Aim
On completion of this module, the student should be able to draw the South African coordinate system, explain its characteristics, list types of scales, and plot positions of points using a scale.
Learning Content / Learning Outcomes
4.1 South African Coordinates Systems
4.1.1 Description
Describe the main South African coordinate system.
4.1.2 Plotting
Plot the position of points using the South African system by means of a scale.
4.1.3 Calculate
Calculate the distance and direction of coordinates between two or more known points.
4.2 Map Scale
4.2.1 Explanation of Types of Scale
Explain the following types of scale:
Engineering scale
Natural scale
Divided scale
Scale of map symbol
Transformation
4.2.2 Application
Apply the correct formula to calculate transformation scale.
4.3 Angular Measurements
4.3.1 Calculation and Conversion
Calculate and convert the following angular measurements:
Sexagesimal measurement
Centesimal measurement
Radian measurement
Module 5: Angular Measurement
General Aim
On completion of this module, the student should understand the purpose of angular measurement and calculate vertical and horizontal angles.
Learning Content / Learning Outcomes
5.1 Purpose of Angular Measurement
5.1.1 Explanation
Explain how horizontal and vertical angular measurements relate to points on the ground.
5.2 Theodolite
5.2.1 Types and Uses
Explain the types and uses of a theodolite with terms used during measurements, including:
Vertical axis
Horizontal axis
Circle left
Circle right
Changing face
Swinging the telescope
Transiting the telescope
Axis of telescope
Axis of bubble tube
Bisecting a point or station
5.3 Using a Theodolite
5.3.1 Procedures
Explain the correct procedures for setting up a theodolite when taking readings.
5.4 Horizontal Angles
5.4.1 Measurement Methods
Explain procedures for measuring horizontal angles using:
Repetition method
Reiteration method
5.4.2 Calculation
Calculate horizontal angles using circle left and circle right observations.
5.5 Horizontal Collimation and Index Error
5.5.1 Determination
Determine:
Collimation error of the horizontal axis
Index error
Module 6: Setting Out
General Aim
On completion of this module, the student should understand the purpose and principles of setting out.
Learning Content / Learning Outcomes
6.1 Definition and Purpose of Setting Out
6.1.1 Definition
Define setting out.
6.1.2 Purpose
Explain the purpose of setting out.
6.1.3 Terms Explanation
Explain the following terms used in setting out:
Traveller
Sight rail
Ranging rod
Gradient
Invert level
6.2 Setting Out Procedures
6.2.1 Explanation
Explain procedures for setting out:
Setting out two points A and B stationed on the third point of known coordinates.
Setting out a building from a baseline.
Setting out a sloping rectangular site for excavation and levelling.
Setting out a rectangular site along a road using the road as a reference.
6.3 Equipment for Setting Out
6.3.1 Equipment Drawing
Draw and label equipment used for setting out simple angles and their functions:
Cross staff
Abney level
Optical square
Module 7: Areas and Volumes
General Aim
On completion of this module, the student should be able to calculate the areas and volumes of different shapes of objects by applying the correct formula.
Learning Content / Learning Outcomes
7.1 Areas
7.1.1 Calculation
Calculate the area of the following different shapes:
Rectangles
Triangles
Trapezium
Segments
Circle
Parallelogram
Area of polygon with more than four sides
Irregular shapes
Planimeter
7.2 Volumes
7.2.1 Calculation
Calculate the volume of the following shapes:
Earthworks
Opencast mining
Module 8: Plane Table
General Aim
On completion of this module, the student should be able to explain the functions of a plane table, its advantages and disadvantages, sketch and label its components, and describe methods of fixing a point on the plane table.
Learning Content / Learning Outcomes
8.1 Plane Table Surveying
8.1.1 Definition and Purpose
Explain the term plane table and its purpose.
8.1.2 Advantages and Disadvantages
Explain the advantages and disadvantages of the plane table.
8.1.3 Component Drawing
Draw and label the components of a plane table.
8.1.4 Setup Functions
Describe hints for the setting up and smooth running of a plane table.
8.1.5 Point Fixing Methods
List, draw, and label methods of fixing a point on a plane table.
Module 9: Compass Surveying
General Aim
On completion of this module, the student should be able to explain the definition of surveying, principles of compass surveying, advantages and disadvantages, types of compass surveying, and requirements of the magnetic needle.
Learning Content / Learning Outcomes
9.1 Compass Surveying
9.1.1 Definition and Principles
- Define compass surveying and explain its principles.
Module 1: Basic Principles of Surveying
What is the definition of surveying?
What are the objectives and purpose of surveying?
List and sketch at least three methods of fixing a point in surveying.
What are the main categories of surveying?
Explain the differences between topographic, cadastral, and hydrographic surveying.
Define control point and explain the types of control points.
What are the key functions and qualities of a good surveyor?
What is the purpose of a fieldbook in surveying?
Module 2: Linear Measurements
What is the explanation of direct measurement in linear surveying?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of chain and steel tape measurements?
Explain how to measure a distance across an obstacle such as a river.
What types of errors can occur in survey measurements?
How can corrections be applied for errors due to tension and slope?
Module 3: Height Measurement
Define levelling and its purpose.
What are the key terms associated with levelling?
Explain the difference between open and close traverse levelling.
What types of errors can be encountered in levelling?
What levelling equipment is commonly used in surveying?
Module 4: Basic Concepts
Describe the main South African coordinate system.
How would you plot a position of points using the South African coordinate system?
What are the differences between engineering, natural, and divided scales?
Module 5: Angular Measurement
What is the purpose of angular measurement in surveying?
Explain the procedure for measuring horizontal angles using the repetition method.
List and explain the types and uses of a theodolite.
Module 6: Setting Out
Define setting out and explain its purpose.
What are the procedures for setting out two points based on known coordinates?
What equipment is needed for setting out?
Module 7: Areas and Volumes
How do you calculate the area of a rectangle?
What is the formula for calculating the volume of earthworks?
Module 8: Plane Table
What is a plane table and what is its purpose?
Explain the advantages and disadvantages of using a plane table.
Module 9: Compass Surveying
Define compass surveying and explain its principles.
What are the requirements for the magnetic needle in compass surveying?