CIV3403 ENGINEERING SURVEYING 1

LECTURE II (a)
CHAIN SURVEYING

What is Chain Surveying?

Chain survey/surveying is a very old and one of the simplest method of Surveying. In chain survey,
only measurements are taken in the field, and rest of the work, such as plotting, dimensioning,
computations etc. are done in the office. Here only linear measurements are made i.e. no angular
measurements are made. This is most suitably adapted to small plane areas with very few details
and if carefully done, it gives quite accurate results.

The essence of chain surveying is to provide a skeleton framework of straight lines, which can be
plotted to scale if the lengths of these lines are pre-determined either with a chain or a surveying
tape. The framework must mostly consist of triangles.

For example, if all the four sides of the figure “ABCD” are known, the figure cannot be plotted
unless we know at least the magnitude of one angle.

But if we divide the figure into two triangles by a diagonal AC or BD whose length has previously
been determined, the plotting is possible due to the formation of triangles of known sides.

Or in other words, if the lengths AB, BC, CD, DA, and BD are known, the quadrilateral ABCD
can be plotted without knowing any angle.
Suitability of Chain Survey
Because of its simplicity, chain surveying cannot be used in all cases. It is only suitable if the area
under consideration meets the following conditions:

i. The area to be surveyed is comparatively small

ii. The ground is moderately levelled
iii. The area needs to be open and
iv. The ground has few and simple details

.Chain Survey Tools

The necessary requirements for field work are

i. Chain
ii. Tape
iii. Ranging-Rod
iv. Arrows
v. Cross staff

Survey Stations

Chain Survey stations are points of importance at the beginning and end of a chain line. There are
two major types of stations in chain surveying:

i. Main Stations
ii. Subsidiary or tie

Main Stations
Main stations are the end of the lines, which command the boundaries of the survey, and the lines
joining the main stations recalled the main survey line or the chain lines.

Subsidiary or the tie stations

Subsidiary or the tie stations are the points selected on the main survey lines, where it is necessary
to locate the interior detail such as fences, hedges, building etc.
Factors Affecting Survey Station Selection

i. Stations should be visible from at least two or more stations.

ii. As far as possible, main lines should run on level ground.

iii. All triangle shall be defined properly (No angle less than 30º).

iv. Each triangle should have at least one check line.

v. Survey lines should be as few as possible.

vi. Obstacles to ranging and chaining should be avoided.

vii. Sides of the larger triangles should pass as close to the boundary lines as possible.

viii. Trespassing and frequent crossing of the roads should be avoided.

Line Types in Chain Survey

a. Tie or subsidiary lines

A “tie line” is that line which joins some fixed points called “stations” on the main survey lines.

The purpose of a tie line is to; firstly it enables checking of the accuracy of the network and
secondly locating the interior details which are comparatively far away from the main survey lines.

b. Base Lines

It is the main and longest line, which passes approximately through the center of the field. All the
other measurements to show the details of the work are taken with respect to this line.

c. Chain Line (Main Survey) Lines

The lines that join main stations are termed as chain line or main survey lines.
 d. Check Line

A check-line also termed as a proof-line is a line joining the apex of a triangle to some fixed points
on any two sides of a triangle. A check-line is measured to check the accuracy of the framework.
The length of a checking line, as measured on the ground should agree with its length on the plan.

Typical Site Layout

Offsets

Offsets are the lateral measurements from the baseline to fix the positions of the different objects
of the work with respect to the baseline. These are generally set at right angle offsets. It can also
be drawn with the help of a tape. There are two kinds of offsets:

i. Perpendicular offsets: This is the most common method of locating objects. The
perpendicular distance measured from a known Chainage point on the main line to the
object is called the perpendicular offset.
 ii. Oblique offsets: The measurements which are not made at right angles to the survey lines
are called “tie-line offsets” or “oblique offsets.”

Type of Offsets

For setting perpendicular offsets any one of the following methods is used:

i. Swinging
ii. Using cross staffs
iii. Using optical or prism square

Perpendicular Offset by Swinging:

The chain is stretched along the survey line. An assistant holds the end of the tape on the object.
Surveyor swings the tape on chain line and selects the point on the chain where offset distance is
the least and notes chain reading as well as offset reading in a field book on a neat sketch of the
object.

Perpendicular Offsets Using Cross Staffs.

All cross staffs are having two perpendicular lines of sights. The cross staffs are mounted on a
stand. The first line of sight is set along the chain line and without disturbing setting right angle
line of sight is checked to locate the object. With open cross staff it is possible to set perpendicular
only, while with other types, like the French cross staff, even 45º angle can be set. Adjustable cross
staff can be used to set any angle also since there are graduations and upper drum can be rotated
over a lower drum.
Field Book

All observations and measurements taken during chain surveying are to be recorded in a standard
field book. It is an oblong book of size 200 mm × 120 mm, which can be carried in the pocket.
There are two forms of the book (i) single line and (ii) double line. The pages of a single book are
having a red line along the length of the paper in the middle of the width. It indicates the chain
line. All chain-ages are written across it. The space on either side of the line is used for sketching
the object and for noting offset distances. In double line book, there are two blue lines with a space
of 15 to 20 mm in the middle of each book. The space between the two lines is utilized for noting
the chain-ages.

Procedure in chain survey

i. Reconnaissance: The preliminary inspection of the area to be surveyed is called

reconnaissance. The surveyor inspects the area to be surveyed, surveyor prepares index
sketch or key plan.
ii. Marking Station: Surveyor fixes up the required number stations at places from where
maximum possible stations are possible. Some of the methods used for marking are:
o Fixing ranging poles
o Driving pegs
o Marking if the ground is hard
o Digging and fixing a stone.
iii. Then he selects the way for passing the main line, which should be horizontal and clean as
possible and should pass approximately through the center of work.
iv. Then ranging roads are fixed on the stations.
v. After fixing the stations, chaining could be started.
vi. Make ranging wherever necessary.
vii. Measure the chainages and offset.
viii. Enter in the field the book.