MEASUREMENT OF HORIZONTAL DISTANCES

CORRECTION DUE TO SAG

A tape attains the correct length when it is fully supported and subjected to the pull for
which it was standardized. If the support is only at its ends or at the two points measured, it will
sag even if the standard pull is maintained because of its own weight. The tapes form of a
catenary when it sags between points of support just as an electric or telephone wire which
hangs and swings loosely between two posts.
Sag shortens the horizontal distance between end graduations since the tape length
remains the same. Thus, when a stretched tape sags, the actual distance between the points is
something less than the reading on the tape.
ω2 L3 W2L
C s= C s =
24 P2 24 P2

Where:
CS = Correction due to sag or the difference between the tape reading and the horizontal
distance between supports (m)
ω = Weight of tape per unit length (kg/m)

W = total weight of tape between supports (kg)

L = Interval between supports or the unsupported length of tape (m)
P = tension or pull applied on the tape (kg)

CORRECTION DUE TO WIND

A strong wind blowing perpendicular to the direction of taping will move the middle and
unsupported portion of the tape to one side of the line measured. This introduces an error to the
measurement which is similar to the effect of sag but is usually much less. To avoid this type of
error, it is preferable not to undertake any taping work during windy days. If it cannot be
avoided and the measurement has to be done on windy days, efforts should be taken to support
the tape from being affected by the blowing wind.

NORMAL TENSION
By exerting a sufficiently greater amount of pull on the tape when it is suspended and
sagged, the tape will be stretched and a considerable decrease in the amount of sag results.
 Meaning the formula Cp must be equivalent to formula CS.
ILLUSTRATIVE PROBLEMS
1. CORRECTION DUE TO SAG. A 30-m tape is supported only at its end 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 needs of the tape.

Given:
L = 30m = M
P = 8kg
W = 0.91kg

Required: CS and correct distance between the ends of the tape (T)

Solution:
2
W 2 L ( 0.91 ) ( 30)
C s= =
24 P2 24 (8)2
C s = 0.0164m (Tape is short)

T = M - Cs
T = 30 – 0.0162
T = 29.9838m

2. CORRECTION DUE TO SAG. A 50-m steel tape weighs 0.04kg/m and is supported at
its end points and at the 8-m and 25-m marks. If a pull of 6kg is applied, determine the
following
a. Correction due to sag between the 0-m & 8-m marks, 8-m & 25-m marks, and the
25-m & 50-m marks
b. Correction due to sag for one tape length
c. Correct distance between the ends of the tape

Given: See figure 10-3

L = 30m
ω = 0.04kg/m
L1 = 8m
L2 = 17m
L3 = 25m

Solution:
 a. Determining Correction Due to Sag for each Span
ω2 L31 (0.04)2 (8)3
Cs = =
1
24 P2 24 (6)2
C s =0.0009 m
1

ω2 L32 (0.04)2 (17)3

Cs = =
2
24 P2 24 (6)2
C s =0.0091 m
2

ω2 L33 (0.04)2 (25)3

Cs = =
3
24 P2 24 (6)2
C s =0.0289 m
3

b. Determining Total Sag Correction for one Tape Length

C s=C s + C s +¿ C s
1 2 3

C s=0.0009+ 0.0091+ 0.0289

C s=0.0389 m

c. Determining Correct Distance Between Tape Ends

L’ = L - C s = 50 – 0.0389
L’ = 49.9611m

3. CORRECTION DUE TO SAG. A 50-m steel tape weighing 0.035kg/m is constantly

supported at mid-length and at its end points, and is used to measure a line AB with a
steady pull of 6.5kg. If the measured length of AB is 1268.256m, determine the
following:
a. Correction due to sag between supports and for the whole tape length
b. Total sag correction for the whole length measured.
c. Correct length of line AB

Given: See figure 10-4

L = 50m
L1 = 25m
L2 = 25m
P = 6.5kg
ω = 0.035kg/m
Length AB = M = 1268.256m

Required:
a. C s ∧C s
1 2

b. C s for the whole length measured

c. Correct length of the line (T)

Solution:
a. Determining Sag Correction Between Supports
ω2 L31 (0.035 kg /m)2 (25 m)3
Cs = =
1
24 P2 24 (6.5 kg)2

C s =¿
1 0.0189m

ω2 L31 (0.035 kg /m)2 (25 m)3

Cs = 2
= 2
2
24 P 24 (6.5 kg)

C s =¿
2 0.0189m

b. Determining Sag Correction for Measured Line

C s=C s + C s =0.0189 m+ 0.0189 m
1 2

C s=0.0378 m

By ratio and proportion:

C 0.0378
Total C s = L ( Length AB ) = 50 (1268.256)
s

Total C s = 0.9588m

c. Determining Correct Length of AB

Correct Length of AB = Measured Length –Total C s
Correct Length of AB = 1268.256 – 0.9588
Correct Length of AB = 1267.2972m
or
Measuring a line, tape is short
 −Me
T=M L
= 1268.256m −1268.256
50
(0.0378)
T = 1267.2972m

4. NORMAL TENSION. A steel tape weighing 0.85kg has a cross-sectional area of 0.05
sq. cm. The tape measures exactly 30.00m when supported throughout its length under a
standard pull of 5.5kg. If the modulus of elasticity is 2.10 x 106 kg/cm2, determine the
tension required to make the tape equal to its nominal length when supported only at the
end points.

Given: See figure 10-5

L = 30.00m
W = 0.85kg
A = 0.05cm2
Ps = 5.5kg
E = 2.10 x 106 kg/cm2

Solution:
6
0.204 W √ AE 0.204 (0.85) √ 0.05( 2.10 x 10 ) 56.188
P N= = =
√ PN −PS √ P N −5.5 √ PN −5.5

Try P N = 16.75kg
56.188
16.75=
√ PN −5.5
16.75 = 16.75

Therefore, P N = 16.75kg. This is the tension required to make the tape exactly equal to
30.00m when stretched and supported only at its end points.

5. NORMAL TENSION. A steel tape having a cross-sectional area of 0.06cm2 and a

modulus of elasticity of 2.0 x 106 kg/cm2, weighs 0.03kg/m. Its length is 30.00m when
standardized at a pull of 5kg and supported throughout its length. Determine the tensionat
which the effect of sag will be eliminated by the elongation of the tape due to increased
tension

Given:
A = 0.06cm2
 E = 2.0 x 106 kg/cm2
ω = 0.03kg/m
L = 30.00m
Ps = 5kg

Solution:
W = ωL=¿ 0.03(30) = 0.90kg
6
0.204 W √ AE 0.204 (0.90) √ 0.06 (2.0 x 10 ) 63.6
P =
N = =
√ PN −PS √ P N −5 √ PN −5
2
( P ¿ ¿ N √ P N −5) ¿ = (63.6)2
P2N ( P N −5) = 4044.96
P3N - 5 P2N = 4044.96
P3N −¿ 5 P2N −¿ 4044.96 = θ
Let f ( P N ¿ = P3N −¿ 5 P2N −¿4044.96

Try PN = 17.78kg
f (17.78) = (17.78)3−5(17.78)2 −¿4044.96 = -4.84
f (17.79) = (17.79)3−5(17.79)2 −¿4044.96 = +2.87

From the above five trials, it can be seen that the value of PN which gives a solution
nearest to zero is 17.9kg, therefore, PN = 17.79kg. The exact value is actually somewhere
between 17.78 and 17.79kg. Since only two digits after decimal point would be
sufficient, the value 17.79 was selected.

COMBINED CORRECTIONS
The corrections for the effects of incorrect length or tape, temperature, tension, slope, and
sag may be combined as a single net correction per tape length. Each correction is computed
separately and it is important to identify which correction tends to make the tape too long or too
short.

SURVEY WITH TAPE

1. Erecting Perpendicular to line – There may be some instances when it would be
necessary to erect on the ground a perpendicular to an established line
a. Chord-Bisection Method
b. 3:4:5 Method
2. Measuring Angles with Tape – A tape is not frequently used in engineering
constructions for measuring ot laying out angles. There may be some occasions, however,
when a theodolite or transit is readily available that the tape is instead used. The
measurement of very small angles with tape usually gives satisfactory results. All angular
measurements by tape are accomplished by the application or very basic geometric and
trigonometric principles.

L
ab
2

θ
2

ab
θ 2 ab d ( AC )2 +( AB)2−( BC )2
sin = = ∨ cos A=
2 L 2L 2L 2 ( AC ) ( AB)

θ ab A ( S− AC )( S−AB )
2
=arc sin
2L
sin =
2 √
( AC )( AB)

ab
θ=2 arc sin
2L

3. Laying Off Angles with Tape

4. Determining Obstructed Distances
a. Fig 11-7
AB=√( AC )2 +(BC )2
b. Fig 11-8
c. Fig 11-9
AB BD ( BD)2
= ∨ AB=
BD BC (BC )
d. Fig 11-10
AB=( AC ) tan (¿ BCA )
 e. Fig 11-11
AC BC
CD= ∧CE=
2 2
f. Fig 11-12
AB ( AB+BC )
= ; AB ( CE )=BD( AB+ BC )
BD CE

AB ( CE )=BD ( AB)+ BD ( BC)

AB ( CE )−BD ( AB ) =BD ( BC )

BD ( BC)
AB ( CE−BD )=BD ( BC )∨AB=
(CE−BD)
g. Fig 11-13
h. Fig 11-14
i. Fig 11-15
j. Fig 11-16

ILLUSTRATIVE PROBLEMS
1. COMBINED CORRECTIONS. A line was determined to be 2395.25m whenmeasured
with a 30m steel tape supported throughout its length under a pull of 4kg and at a mean
temperature of 35°C. Determine the correct length of the line if the tape used is of
standard length at 20°C under a pull of 5kg. The cross-sectional area of the tape is 0.03 sq
cm, its coefficient of linear expansion is 0.0000116/1°C, and the modulus of elasticity of
steel is 2.0 x 106 kg/cm2.

Given:
M = 2395.25m
 L = 30m
P1 = 4kg
T1 = 35°C
To = 20°C
Po = 5kg
A = 0.03cm2
K = 0.0000116/1°C
E = 2.0 x 106 kg/cm2

Required: Determine the correct length of the line (T)

Solution:
CT = L(T1 - To)K = 30m(35°C – 20°C)( 0.0000116/1°C)
CT = 0.00522m

(P 1−P o)L ( 4 kg−5 kg) 30 m

=
CP = AE kg
(0.03 cm2)(2.0 x 106 2 )
cm
CP = 0.0005m

e = CT – CP = 0.00522 – 0.0005
e = 0.00472m (too long)

Me 2395.25(0.00472)
T=M+ =2395.25+
L 30
T = 2395.63m

2. COMBINED CORRECTIONS. A 50-m steel tape is of standard length undel a pull of

5.5kg when supported throughout its entire length. The tape weighs 0.05kg/m, has a
cross-sectional area of 0.04 sq. cm, and being made of steel, its modulus of elasticity is
2.10 x 106 kg/cm2. This tape was used in the field to measure a distance that was
determined to be 458.650m. At the time the measurement was made, the constant pull
applied was 8kg with the tape supported only at its end points. Determine the correct
length of the line.

Given:
L = 50m
ω = 0.05kg/m
 A = 0.04cm2
E = 2.10 x 106 kg/cm2
M = 458.650m
P1 = 8kg
Po = 5.5kg

Required: Determine the correct length of the line (T)

Solution:
(P 1−P o)L (8 kg−5 .5 kg)5 0 m
=
a. CP = AE kg
(0.04 cm2)(2. 1 0 x 106 2 )
cm
CP = 0.001488m (+)

kg 2
(0.05 ) (50 m)3
ω2 L3 m
C s= =
24 P21 24(8 kg)2
C s = 0.203

e = -0.203 + 0.001488
e = 0.20196 (-)

Me 458.65(0.20196)
T=M- =458.65−
L 50

T = 456.82m

3. OBSTRUCTED DISTANCES. In Fig. 11-19, lines NQ and PR are established

perpendicular to line MNP, and points Q and R are lined up with the distant point M. If
NQ = 318.55m, PR = 475.62, and NP = 210.38m, determine the length of MN which
represents the width of the river.

Given:
MN MN + NP MN NP
= ∨ =
NQ PR NQ ( PR−NQ)

∆ MNQ is similar ¿ ∆ MPR

Solution:
MN NP
=
NQ ( PR−NQ )
(NP)( NQ ) 210.38(318.55)
MN = =
(PR−NQ ) (475.62−318.55)
MN = 426.67m