Setting Out Columns

Column positions are identified by using grid co- ordinates as in column lay out
drawings. Distances between co- ordinates are also given in drawings. New grid lines can be
obtained by using transferred baselines from the lower floor (baseline may be some sort of a off
line)
In setting out, we normally provide off lines to the column. As we know the column size
we can calculate the distance to the off line from the baseline
Grid

E
Grid
1

Grid
Lines

2
Base Line 200mm
off to grid D
3

Base Line 200mm

off to Grid 3

100mm off line to the column

Grid D

Grid 2
2
Column position

Setting out on the slab

After concerting the first floor slab, setting out should be carried out to locate the column
centers as previously done in the ground floor. In our site we used the plumbing system for this
purpose. First of all we plumb the ground floor column centers to the first floor slab using plum
bob. It was marked on the edge of the slab. Like this all the edge column centers were marked on
the edge of the first floor slab. Then string lines were pulled between the marked centerlines at
the edge of the first floor slab. With the help of these string lines we can easily mark the
centerlines of the columns at the middle of the first floor slab.
When there is a difficulty to mark the centerlines we have to mark an off line 200mm
away from the centerline. After marking this line at the middle of the slab we can easily mark the
centerline of the middle columns.
Setting out Beams
This level was set out on the column because it was easy to place beam bottoms reference to that
level marked. This is the 1000mm levels, above the structural floor level.

Leveling instrument was set out on the ground and the Staff was held vertically on the
benchmark, represents the structural floor level.

Staff reading was taken.

Calculate the reading, which should be observed on the tape.

Tape was held vertically along the column box and move up or down according to instructions given
by surveyor helper the zero point of the tape gives 1m levels.

Grid line

FFL+1000mm

Level marked in column

Problems Encountered

In setting out footings Distances cannot be measures along the ground. Because it was not a well
leveled surface. There were slopes in the ground floor. Timber pegs roughly to a one same level
by using concretes.

Steel tape

Timber pegs

ground floor

When measuring horizontal distances the tape can be sag. To overcome this problem, the tape
should be pulled and pegs were embedded at closer intervals.
On the slab some time water was there. So, water was removed by wiper.