University of Sulaimani
College of Engineering
Civil Engineering department
Surveying – practical
Test no: four
Test name: profile and cross section leveling
Supervisor: Mr. Sari
Students name : Marko Jamal & Erwan Hassan & Zhila Omed
Raman Kanaan & Koshad sherko & Ahmad Ebrahim
Group: B
2024-2025
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Introduction
Levelling is a surveying method used to measure the relative heights
of different points on the Earth's surface, essential in construction and
infrastructure projects. Two common types are profile levelling and
cross-section levelling.
Profile Levelling: This method measures elevation along a specific
path, typically the centerline of a road or railway. It helps in
understanding elevation changes along the route and is used in
designing road gradients and drainage systems.
Cross-Section Levelling: This method measures elevations
perpendicular to the main route, capturing terrain variations across a
specific section. It helps design infrastructure like roads, railways, and
drainage systems by showing the landscape's shape and slope.
While profile levelling focuses on longitudinal elevation changes, cross-
section levelling provides a detailed view of the terrain's width and
shape. Both are crucial for accurate planning and design in civil
engineering.
Objective
The aim or objective of profile and cross-section levelling is to
accurately measure and represent the variations in the ground's
surface elevation, which is essential for the design, planning, and
construction of infrastructure projects.
Profile Levelling: The objective is to determine the elevation changes
along a specific path (e.g., road or railway) to help design gradients,
drainage, and alignment.
Cross-Section Levelling: The objective is to measure the elevation at
multiple points across a section of terrain to understand its shape and
slope, which assists in designing earthworks, infrastructure, and
drainage systems.
Both methods are essential for creating detailed and accurate terrain
models, ensuring that projects are built to proper specifications and
meet safety and functionality standards.
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Apparatus
The aim or objective of profile and cross-section levelling is to
accurately measure and represent the variations in the ground's
surface elevation, which is essential for the design, planning, and
construction of infrastructure projects.
Profile Levelling: The objective is to determine the elevation changes
along a specific path (e.g., road or railway) to help design gradients,
drainage, and alignment.
Cross-Section Levelling: The objective is to measure the elevation at
multiple points across a section of terrain to understand its shape and
slope, which assists in designing earthworks, infrastructure, and
drainage systems.
Both methods are essential for creating detailed and accurate terrain
models, ensuring that projects are built to proper specifications and
meet safety and functionality standards.
Procedure
Equipments used:
1.Leveling Instruments: A precise leveling instrument capable of
reading accurately.
2.Leveling Staff (Rod): A vertical rod used to measure the height
difference . The staff is positioned at each point of interest.
3.Tripods: Sturdy tripods are used to support the leveling instruments
at each location, ensuring stability and precision during
measurements.
4.Measuring tape: To measure the horizontal distance between the two
points.
5.Chalk: To mark the points
Procedure:
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A.Profile Levelling Procedure:
1.Set Up the Instrument:
Place the leveling instrument on a tripod at a known reference point or
starting location.
Ensure the instrument is level by adjusting it with the leveling screws
and checking with a bubble level or electronic level indicator.
2.Take the Starting Reading:
Position the leveling staff at the reference point (benchmark) and note
the reading (height of instrument or HI).
3.Measure Elevations Along the Profile:
Move the leveling staff to the next point along the profile path (every
10 meters) and take the reading using the instrument.
Record the readings in the field notebook.
Calculate the elevation at each point by subtracting the reading from
the height of the instrument (HI).
4.Repeat for Additional Points:
Continue moving the leveling staff along the profile and take readings
at regular intervals, following the same process.
5.Backsight and Foresight Measurements:
For each new position, take a backsight (to a known point) and a
foresight (to the next point), ensuring the instrument remains
calibrated and accurate.
6.Check for Errors:
After completing the profile, perform a check to ensure the sum of the
backsight and foresight values is consistent with the total height
difference.
B.Cross-Section Levelling Procedure:
1.Set Up the Instrument:
As with profile levelling, set up the leveling instrument at a convenient
location near the section line and ensure it's properly leveled.
2.Mark the Cross-Section Stations:
At regular intervals along the main route (every 10 meters), place
markers to indicate where cross-section measurements will be taken.
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3.Take Elevation Readings:
For each station along the main route, take readings at multiple points
across the cross-section (perpendicular to the alignment) at predefined
intervals (e.g., left and right of the centerline).
Record these measurements and calculate the elevations.
4.Repeat for Additional Stations:
Move the leveling instrument as needed and repeat the measurement
process at each cross-section station along the route.
5.Final Check:
After completing all the cross-section measurements, ensure all data is
accurate and consistent, checking for any possible errors in reading or
instrument setup.
Calculation
Elevation = 100
HIm = B.SM + Elevation
ElevationA1 = HIm - I.SA1
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Discussion
Comparison of Ground Profile and Grade Line
The ground profile shows natural elevation changes, while the grade
line is a smooth slope designed for proper drainage and construction
ease.
Cutting lowers high ground to the grade line, and filling raises low
ground to meet it, ensuring alignment.
A gentle gradient balances practicality and usability, while steeper
slopes may cause erosion or other issues.
Accurate measurements and benchmarks are critical to avoid errors in
the design.
Conclusion
Effective Design Basis
The experiment accurately calculated natural ground levels and
established a reliable grade line, forming a solid foundation for
construction planning.
Volume of Earthwork
The analysis identifies cutting and filling areas, ensuring precise
estimates for earthwork volume, cost, and time.
Utility of Profile Leveling
Profile leveling helps align infrastructure like roads and pipelines with
the terrain, improving design accuracy.
Recommendation
Use calibrated equipment and adjust gradients to minimize excessive
cutting or filling, optimizing costs and labor.
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