Welcome to FHWA-NHI-132091 Earthworks Series: Grades and Grading Module 2.

Image description 1: Highway lanes.

Image description 2: Highway construction.

This training is offered by an effort of the Transportation Curriculum Coordination

Council. It contains a collection of Best Practices from various agency and FHWA
training rules, laws, policies, and procedures. Each state agency/company has their
own requirements, which you need to review and follow.

The following module will provide an overview and identify the importance of the
global positioning system (GPS) and grade verification and documentation.
Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
Describe the global positioning system (GPS) basics; and
Explain grade verification and documentation.

This module will take approximately 90 minutes to complete.

This training contains two lessons:

Lesson 1 Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
Lesson 2 Grade Verification and Documentation

During each lesson, we will provide knowledge checks, which you may wish to take
in order to test your understanding of the material presented in the lesson. The
k
knowledge
l d checks
h k are optional.
i
l

Lets start Lesson 1: Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and how it relates to
Earthwork.
Most people know what GPS is and many may have used GPS equipment for
recreational purposes. What most people dont know is that the same satellites
used for recreational purposes are also used for survey in construction. This
session reviews the common understanding of GPS technology and introduces how
FHWA is increasing the use of GPS in construction.
We will work to answer the following questions:
What is GPS and the levels of GPS accuracy?
How is GPS used in construction today?
What are contractor advantages when using GPS?
What are advantages for government and end users with GPS?
What are the challenges facing adoption of this technology?
How can FHWA personnel help the adoption of GPS technology?
This lesson will take approximately 70 minutes to complete.

When thinking about GPS, engineers should really be thinking about the global
system. Three satellite systems comprise the Global Navigation Satellite System, or
GNSS. GPS refers to the American system, consisting of twenty-four satellites, with
three satellites in reserve; twenty-seven all together.
The Russian constellation, known as GLONASS, has thirty satellites deployed.
GLONASS was launched about five years after the Americans launched GPS
between 1973 and 1974 and became active in the early 1980s. Galileo is a new
European constellation that is independent of the U.S. and Russian controlled
systems.
Galileo has twenty-seven satellites and two satellite locations operational.
Unlike GPS and GLONASS, Galileo is run by a strictly civilian conglomerate. As a
result no single country will have control to turn off those satellites.
Image description: Satellite in orbit.

Many individuals today own a recreational GPS device. GNSS satellites orbiting the
Earth at very precise locations in the sky are what make these devices work.
Recreational GPS provides a two dimensional position. Three satellites are required
for a 2-D or two dimensional position of where you are on the earth. The two
dimensions are latitude and longitude. A fourth satellite is required to give you
elevation.
Image description: Planet Earth and four satellites.

Although GPS has existed since the 1970s, it was not available for commercial use
until the late 1980s.
Select each date on the timeline to learn more.

Although GPS has existed since the 1970s, it was not available for commercial use
until the late 1980s.
Select each date on the timeline to learn more.

1987. The military was in full control of the satellite system until 1987 when civilians
were allowed to have access to the satellites for commercial use.

10

1988. The first use of GPS in construction occurred in 1988 when the first survey
instruments were developed and made available for commercial use.

11

In 1993, GPS was used to locate machinery in the strip mine industry. The purpose
was to know the location of the large shovels at any time out in the pit. They were
equipped with GPS, and they could go back to their offices and monitor the location
of the shovels at any time.

12

In 1998, the first GPS grade control systems for the construction market appeared.
Also in 1998, contractors began using the term "Stake-less Grading," which was
being used on large residential developments, golf courses, shopping malls, and so
on. Note that "stake-less grading" is a little bit of a misnomer because stakes are
needed to do the final measurement of the roadway.
Government Transportation Agencies may continue to specify that stakes be used
for quality assurance purposes. Government Transportation Construction work units
that have the proper tools to perform quality assurance and are comfortable with the
technology may allow the project to go stakeless. The use or non use of stakes as
well as the frequency location of stakes must be addressed in the specifications.

13

A one-unit set up similar to the one shown is typically seen on the side of a
roadway. It is an antenna on top of a tripod. Note that by default, a $20,000 to
$30,000 unit like this one only has recreational accuracy because it is one unit
operating without a nearby ground differential signal.
A stand-alone GPS Receiver can triangulate its position using a minimum of 4
satellites and can provide an accuracy level of only plus or minus 30 feet.
In our business, however, we are concerned with a better level of accuracy than
what can be achieved by a stand-alone GPS receiver.
Lets look at how better accuracy using satellites can be achieved.
Image 1 description: Planet Earth.
Image 2 description: Seven satellites.
Image 3 description: Stand-alone GPS receiver.

14

By using a radio to broadcast corrections from the base station to other rovers, and
five satellites, survey level accuracy is improved.
Image 1 description: Planet Earth.
Image 2 description: Five satellites.
Image 3 description: Stand-alone GPS receiver.
Image 4 description: Man rover.

15

Survey level accuracy is achieved through triangulation of data between base

station, satellites, and machine and man rovers. Communications between the units
and the satellites use Real Time Kinematic, or RTK technology, which is the same
radio frequency as what our cell phones use. Because the reference station is
somewhere within radio transmitting distance (line of sight) of the base station, you
now have tenth of an inch accuracy, the accuracy needed for survey and
construction operations.
Image 1 description: Base station.
Image 2 description: Six satellites.
Image 3 description
description: Man ro
rover.
er

16

In summary, there are three levels of accuracy: recreational, which is within thirty to
one hundred feet; mapping, which is within three to ten feet; and survey, which is
plus or minus one half inch. In transportation construction, survey accuracy is
required. In the rest of the presentation, the focus will be on survey accuracy only.
Image description: road drawing containing several transmitting devices.

17

Lets review some applications that are being used in construction today, such as:
Surveying;
Rough grading;
Utilities and Excavating;
Finishing;
eG
Grading;
ad g; a
and
d
Fine
Paving.

18

Consider a GPS unit on a motor grader that is moving and has a large vibration. To
achieve the accuracy that we need in transportation construction, we need laserenhanced technology. These are examples of GPS technology that were developed
by a particular company.
On the left is a basic antenna as we saw earlier. The unit in the middle is a typical
Theodolite with base station enhancements. The unit on the right is similar, but
includes a laser enhancement at the top. Working in conjunction, this technology
can achieve the accuracy that we need to have in order to do our work.
Image description 1: Basic antenna.
Image description 2
2: Theodolite with
ith base station enhancements
enhancements.
Image description 3: Theodolite with base station and laser enhancements.

19

This is a type of laser receiver that would be mounted on top of a motor grader,
bulldozer, or whatever the piece of equipment it is the contractor wants to control.
Lets see these units in action.
Image 1 description: Grader with attached laser receiver.
Image 2 description: Expanded view of grader with attached laser receiver
receiver.

20

Note that in this picture you can see the antenna with the base unit on top of the
grader, and the vertical base station. This system can operate when the base unit is
within a 1,700 foot radius of the base station. The closer the grader is to the tripod,
the greater the accuracy. Some contractors have said that rather than move the
vertical base station every 1500 to 1700 feet, they prefer to move the vertical base
station about 500 to 600 feet to achieve that greater accuracy.
Image description: Tractor with antenna and vertical base station.

21

This is an example of what the operator of a motor grader sees from inside the cab.
The GPS screen is located right in front with the readout showing all the functions
that are being performed by the machine.
Image description: Motor grader operators view from inside the cab.
Image description: Plan view from motor grader operators view from inside the cab.

22

This technology provides Multiple user advantages. For example, this particular unit
can control not just this piece of machinery; it can also control multiple units, as long
as they are within that 1700-foot circle. They are also compatible, modular and
scalable; they are all attachable and interchangeable right on top of each other.
Also, at nighttime they can be taken down, stored, and recharged for the next day.
Image description 1: Theodolite with base station enhancements.
Image description 2: Theodolite with base station and laser enhancements.
Image description 3: Basic antenna.
Image description 4: Laser receiver.

23

How can contractors benefit from implementing GPS technology? ZYX Contracting
is a contractor in Georgia who uses laser
laser-enhanced
enhanced GPS in the field
field. He has put
GPS on several of his machines and is using it for automated machine guidance
and for survey. He recently bought a survey subcontractor and has it operating with
five survey crews. He is using GPS technology for pre- and post- topographical
survey. And to assist in job management; he installed GPS in his foremens pickup
trucks.

24

Lets listen to a C.W. Matthews superintendent and a Motor-grader operator as they describe the use of the GPS technology in their own words.
Video Transcript:
Brian: This job is State route 16, and it goes from 75 to Griffin Georgia, about nine miles, and it was a widening job. It was a two-lane, now it's
been made into a four-lane. This job was kind of a trial because we've got other surveyors. It's kind of a checking tool for us to check them,
because with the millimeter stuff, if the grade's not right, usually the blue top is wrong. It's become a very useful tool for us to find a way to
protect the surveyors to make sure that they are giving us the right rate, provided the 3 dimensional file that I've made is correct. It's fairly easy
to use because all you do is turn the machine on, put the file that you want in there that you are grading to and just let it go. I mean, you're
pretty much done. Michael is doing this road all by himself. It's cutting down the help that we need.
Michael: Well, I run a motor grader. I get everything ready for, get the sub grader ready, get ready for rock and get rock ready, and then pave.
When I get there I have to set it up the pave station and set my transmitter up. Once I get all that set up, make sure the motor grader matches
the elevation and I start working, and then usually I can get about 2000 feet of sub-grading done in one day. Without millimeter you can get
about 1000.
Brian: Now if he has a problem, he sees something wrong, he'll call me up, and I can email it right to him and he can upload it to the
motorgrader, and he can be up and running in about an hour.
Michael: Once you get to using it it's pretty easy. It's not too hard to figure out. You don't have to do as much. Just turn it on and drive the
motorgrader basically now. It might be a quarter inch above or below but most of the time it's right on grade
Brian: Without millimeter you would have to have surveyors come out. And when you get to the point where they put a stake at a toe this low,
and then you build a slope and then you cut the box out in, and then you have to put a blue top in. And now with the millimeter stuff, the
process is basically the same but, when you come to boxing out, they can have their finish grade surface in there. And with the function on the
grader, you can dial down on the elevation from the finished surface and then you can cut the box out right from the finished grade elevation.
Michael: I can do a good bit by myself. Like right now, they usually have them go and do something else. I can stay and work a half-day by
myself or maybe one person helping me. And then at the end of the day, we get everybody back together and streamline it, and it's all good.
Just streamline it at one time. It's a lot easier.
A lot less stress. You don't have to do as much. You just turn it on and just drive the motor grader, basically now.
Brian: I think the top benefit would be speed, and then accuracy. Because with the millimeter stuff you can really tighten up your subgrade. The
first time through it will be closer to the grade than just using the standard blue top. You can get closer to the grade without ever having a blue
top. We've got some motor grader operators that have been here for twenty years, and now that they've seen how it works, they're very
pleased with what happens. Because they can always get grade on station, but it was always that grade in between stations that always threw
them off. In the old motor graders they could do that, the old operators could do that better than the newer guys. And the old dinosaurs, they're
getting harder and harder to find all the time too. It's a training tool for them to learn how to grade a road via using the motor grader itself as a
training tool, instead of having somebody else there to train them.
If you talk
t lk tto some off th
the iinspectors
t
and
d some off th
the people
l around,
d I'I've h
heard
d th
the rumors th
thatt they
th are very pleased
l
d with
ith what
h t has
h h
happened
d
so far. Because the grade that you get is a lot better, the ride you get is a lot better because it's all maintained by the computer in the motor
grader itself. It runs the blade automatically.
Michael: It will save you a lot of time and make your workday a lot easier.

25

As the video showed, there are benefits to using GPS technology.

Increased Accuracy;
Smoother Paving; and
Electronic Data.

Se ect each
Select
eac tab o
on tthe
e left
e t to learn
ea more
o e about tthe
e be
benefits
e ts o
of us
using
gG
GPS
S
technology.

26

As the video showed, there are benefits to using GPS technology.

Increased Accuracy;
Smoother Paving; and
Electronic Data.

Se ect each
Select
eac tab o
on tthe
e left
e t to learn
ea more
o e about tthe
e be
benefits
e ts o
of us
using
gG
GPS
S
technology.

27

Increased Accuracy: Because of the accuracy, check stakes can be reduced from
every 50 feet to every 200 feet.
Image description: Tractor pushing earth material.

28

Smoother Paving: A smoother base will translate into smoother finish paving.
Image description: View of paved road.

29

Electronic Data: As built plans can be made available to the DOT in electronic
format.
Image description: Electronic formatted plans.

30

Georgia provides an example of equipment costs as well. The initial setup from this
product, according to the contractor, was $130,000 to $150,000. The contractor
chose to put the system on three machines because he is also doing private sector
work. The cost of the additional machines was $60,000.
The DOT could choose to buy a rover to conduct quality assurance. A rover can be
GPS on a stick, as we saw earlier, or it can be a backpack. The cost of a rover runs
about another $20,000 to DOT.
These prices may vary from state to state, make sure to check your local dealers for
prices in your area.
Image description 1
1: Basic antenna
antenna.
Image description 2: Theodolite with base station enhancements.
Image description 3: Theodolite with base station and laser enhancements.
Image 4 description: Laser receiver.

31

Here is a contractors employee in his office. When he gets the paper plans back
from the department, he and his own CAD operator sit down and take the State
DOT paper plans and convert them to electronic data. He then builds his 3-D model
from the electronic data and transfers it to a flashcard, which gets taken straight out
to the field and input into the piece of equipment there.
Image description: Contractors employee in his office.

32

There are costs involved in training that should be considered. A CAD operator can
be trained to build 3D files and be fully competent in a day and a half.
A Motor-grader Operator needs to learn the basic functionality of the technology.
Training can be conducted in 4 hours or overnight. For example, a contractor in
Georgia, took the Motor-grader Operator out back to practice on the five acres of
land on his lot.

Training management on capabilities of equipment must also be

considered.
I
Image
1 description:
d
i ti
M
Man-grader
d operator.
t
Image 2 description: Tractor with antenna and vertical base
station.
Image 3 description: portable GPS equipment.

33

Here is an example from the US 1 project in Emanual County, Georgia.

The Georgia DOT took over 600 readings on this eight-mile four-lane project, which
translates to thirty-two lane miles. The smoothness numbers for the GPS graded section

of this project met the specifications using a rough grader instead of a finish grader.
Onlyy three of the 600 readings
g were outside of an eighth
g
of an inch. The adjoining
j
g sections
that did not use GPS grading were rougher.
And as noted earlier, the contractor was allowed to set hubs at 200 foot intervals instead of
50 foot intervals. According to the contractor, the only downside of the project in terms of
cost was that they needed to change the wear blade piece at the bottom of the blade. The
blade is normally changed every three weeks, but because of the accuracy, the blade
needed to be changed every three days
days.
Image 1 description: Ditch view of paved road.
Image 2 description: Paved road.

34

GPS is also being used in ways other than the ones previously mentioned. Other uses
include marking locations for materials tests. For example, GPS has now been added to
density gauges. An operator can now get the GPS location along with the density reading.
Identifying locations of bridge structures is another use.

Measure of pay quantities is another use being done by the NY State DOT as well
as including GPS data in the daily inspection reports.

35

Many, but not all states are using GPS technology today. According to the AASHTO
sub-committee 2002 survey, nine out of thirty-six states reported contractors are
using GPS-controlled machinery. Six out of seventeen reported using GPS in the
2004 survey. However, the AASHTO sub-committee on construction believes that
contractors may be using GPS in ways that were not reported in the survey, and the
reports may not have been entirely accurate.
This diagram displays the results of a survey of states that were asked if they were
using GPS technology. Of the states that responded, the majority are currently
using GPS.
Now lets review what the use of GPS technology provides.
Image description: United States map and legend.

36

As we saw in the Georgia example, GPS technology provides more accuracy in

setting grades and control points. It reduces labor costs for the contractor.
Remember the contractor used to have a three-man survey crew, now he's got a
one-person survey crew.
This technology eliminates the finish grader, and only a rough grader is needed,
resulting in smoother grading and smoother pavements. The total savings to the
contractor results eventually in lower bids. Initially, contractors may be benefiting
from the windfall, but eventually, the savings will be passed down to the taxpayers.
It can reduce the number of inspections by the department.
Why isnt GPS Technology being used in more States?

37

First, the States are reluctant to give the electronic survey data along with the
contract documents because of problems with the electronic data in the beginning.
That happened because of software differences. Now we are working with one of
the major manufacturers of the CAD software, Bentley, who is in forty-six of the fiftytwo Divisions. Bentley is providing a universal product, which is going to be
distributed to the contractors of the States that choose to give that data.
With CAD, there are 150 different final products that the States can give out in
electronic data. The States can choose which programs to turn on and off, and to
give the contractor. The contractors who use GPS will be getting electronic data that
will no longer cause the types of errors that were initially experienced.
Second, the States have also been reluctant to use GPS for fear of misuse or
misapplication.
Third, a procedure for quality assurance does not exist for stake-less grading. There
is some discomfort using contractor's equipment for measuring.
Finally,
Fi
ll the
th currentt plans
l
are 2 di
dimensional
i
l and
d lleave a paper ttrail.
il A
And
d thi
this h
has
always been true. For the last fifty years we've always given out paper plans.
Switching to electronic plans is a paradigm shift.
So, how do we overcome this challenge?

38

First, the States need to furnish 3-D electronic plan data along with paper plans.
States can also insert a disclaimer for the contractor. Second, the electronic files
need to be universal--which is something we're working on at the national level-such that the contractor does not reproduce the States' electronic files. This will
facilitate the production of Transportation Construction Projects with the highest
quality by the most economical means.

39

What are the challenges of using GPS Technology? First, there are some training
challenges for the DOT staff.
staff Second
Second, use of the GPS survey equipment can be
challenging. Third, the States will need to know how to appropriately share
expensive equipment, and fourth, there needs to be greater coordination between
various offices within the State, which is a challenge.
Image description: Stand-alone GPS receiver.

40

To determine Quality Assurance using stakes, the inspector can use a string line,
level, and spray paint to make high/low or OK at the specified check points.
Image description 1: Construction workers making measurements.
Image description 2: Construction worker making measurement.

41

For quality assurance without stakes, a rover can be used to determine the
accuracy of grade within one half inch (without laser enhancement) or to within a
few hundredths of an inch (with Laser enhancement). This method would reduce
the manpower needed to make inspection checks.
Now lets do a quick review of the material.
Image description: Man rover

42

What needs to be done for GPS technology to become a standard?

Select the bars on the screen to learn more.
Provide electronic data with paper plans;
Revise standard specifications;
Require as built electronic files;
Implement quality control guidelines;
Add option to bid packages; and
Provide training and certification.

43

What needs to be done for GPS technology to become a standard?

Select the bars on the screen to learn more.
Provide electronic data with paper plans;
Revise standard specifications;
Require as built electronic files;
Implement quality control guidelines;
Add option to bid packages; and
Provide training and certification.

44

Provide electronic data with paper plans: 3-D electronic data along with 2-D paper
plans should be provided to contractors during bid process and at the contract
award. Just as electronic bids have replaced paper bids, some day, electronic plans
will replace paper plans.

45

Revise standard specifications: The standard specifications need to be revised to

allow for stakeless machine grading.

46

Require as built electronic files: Contractors should return paper and electronic as
built files when the project is complete.

47

Implement quality control guidelines: Quality control guidelines for stakeless

construction need to be implemented by State Transportation Authorities, or STAs.

48

Add option to bid packages: STAs need to add GPS automated machine guidance
as an option in their bid packages.

49

Provide training and certification: Training and certification of the entire team
involved with the project should be provided.

50

To review a summary answer of each objective, select the question you would like to
review.
i
Aft
After you select
l t a question,
ti
a box
b will
ill open, di
displaying
l i a summary d
derived
i d ffrom
material in this presentation.
Select each question to review.
What is GPS?;
What are the levels of GPS accuracy?;
How
H
iis GPS used
d iin construction
t ti ttoday?;
d ?
What are the contractor advantages when using GPS?;
What are advantages for government and end users with GPS?; and
What the challenges facing adoption of this technology?

51

What is GPS?
With 27 satellites in its constellation, GPS is one of three satellite systems in
the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).
Although GPS has existed since the 1970s, it was not available for commercial
use until the 1980s when the military made it available for commercial use; and
The first use of GPS, or Global Positioning System, in construction occurred in
1988 when the first survey instruments were developed.

52

What are the levels of GPS accuracy?

There are three levels of accuracy:
1)Recreational, which is within thirty to one hundred feet;
2)Mapping, which is within three to ten feet; and
3)Survey, which is plus or minus a half an inch.
In transportation construction, survey accuracy is required.

53

How is GPS used in construction today?

Applications that are being used in construction today include:
Survey;
Rough grading;
Utilities and excavating; and
Finishing.
Finishing

54

What are contractor advantages when using GPS?

Because of the accuracy, check stakes can be reduced from every 50 feet to
every 200 feet;
Smoother base will translate into smoother finish paving; and
As built plans can be made available to the DOT in electronic format.

55

What are advantages for government and end users with GPS?
More accuracy in setting grades and control points;
Reduces construction labor for the Contractor;
Provides smoother grading and smoother pavements; and
Reduction in the number of inspections by the Department.

56

What are the challenges facing adoption of this technology?

Some reasons that GPS technology is not being used in States include:
State STAs are reluctant to give electronic survey data with contract documents;
There is fear of misuse or misapplication;
A procedure for QA does not currently exist for stakeless grading; and
The current plans are 2 dimensional and leave a paper trail.
trail

57

GPS, or Global Positioning System, refers to the American system, consisting of

how many satellites? Select the best answer.
a) 20;
b) 27;
c) 30; or
d) 37.

58

The correct answer is b) 27.

59

What year was the first use of GPS in construction when the first survey
instruments were developed and made available for commercial use? Select the
best answer.
a) 1987;
b) 1988;
c) 1993; or
d) 1998
1998.

60

The correct answer is b) 1988.

61

Survey level accuracy is achieved through triangulation of data between which of

the following? Select all the answers that apply.
a) Base Station;
b) Satellites;
c) Machine Rovers; and
d) Man Rovers.

62

The correct answers are a) Base Station; b) Satellites; c) Machine Rovers; and d)
Man Rovers.

63

When using a base station to broadcast to GPS rovers, how many satellites are
necessary to improve survey level accuracy? Select the best answer.
a) 2;
b) 3;
c) 4; or
d) 5.

64

The correct answer is d) 5.

65

True or false? A laser receiver mounted on whatever the piece of equipment lets the
contractor have complete control.

66

The answer is a) True.

67

What are the benefits to using GPS technology? Select the best answer.
a) Increased accuracy;
b) Smoother paving;
c) Electronic data;
d) Cost; and
e) All of the above.

68

The correct answer is e) All of the above.

69

True or false? GPS Technology is being used in more States because a QA

procedure exists for stakeless grading.

70

The correct answer is b) False.

71

You have completed Lesson 1. We provided answers to the following questions:

What is GPS and the levels of GPS accuracy?
How is GPS used in construction today?
What are contractor advantages when using GPS?
What are advantages for government and end users with GPS?
What are the challenges facing adoption of this technology?
How can FHWA personnel help the adoption of GPS technology?

72

Our last lesson is Grade Verification and Documentation. We will cover the
following:
Comparing existing to different layers of grade;
Verifying profile grades with plan sheet; and
Understanding documentation and field notes.
This lesson will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.
complete

73

As an inspector, you need to know that the survey party or crew will be responsible
for checking longitudinal grades on the proposed roadway. Check your Statespecific specifications. You also need to know the grade requirements from the
contract plans.

74

Remember that a profile is a longitudinal cross section of the proposed roadway.

Profiles show the original ground and the proposed grades.
Image description: Profile sheet.

75

FinalEstimatesLevel1
Module2 Documentation

Bound, hardback field notebooks, or "field books," are used for recording field
measurements and showing some of the detailed calculations. Each notebook is assigned
a permanent reference number, known as the field notebook number.
Because field notebooks are a source document, you must be careful and record all
information accurately and uniformly.
Follow these general instructions:
Only
O l standard-bound
t d db
d fi
field
ld b
books
k should
h ld b
be used;
d
The front cover and spine of each field book should be identified with project information;
The index should be clear with a complete list of the content; and
The date, weather conditions, and the names of the field party should be shown. Field
records are indispensable should they be required in litigation.
Select the page on the right for more general instructions.
Image description: Field notebook.

76

FinalEstimatesLevel1
Module2 Documentation

Bound, hardback field notebooks, or "field books," are used for recording field
measurements and showing some of the detailed calculations. Each notebook is assigned
a permanent reference number, known as the field notebook number.
Because field notebooks are a source document, you must be careful and record all
information accurately and uniformly.
Follow these general instructions:
Only
O l standard-bound
t d db
d fi
field
ld b
books
k should
h ld b
be used;
d
The front cover and spine of each field book should be identified with project information;
The index should be clear with a complete list of the content; and
The date, weather conditions, and the names of the field party should be shown. Field
records are indispensable should they be required in litigation.
Select the page on the right for more general instructions.
Image description: Field notebook.

77

Never erase in any field book. Corrections should be made by striking through the incorrect data
and inserting the correct data close to itit. All such corrections should be initialed and dated by the
person making the correction.
Do not cut or otherwise remove pages from any field book. If an entire page is found in error,
mark the original page VOID and show a note referring to the page where that item of work was
corrected.
Keeping notes on loose-leaf or scratch pads and transferring them to the field books back at the
office is prohibited since this practice may result in errors in final pay calculations.
Field records should always be legible with sufficient sketches and explanatory notes to convey
the intent to a person who is not familiar with the job.
Use standard symbols and abbreviations
abbreviations.
Show all of the pertinent measurements and observations. If there is any doubt about the need
for data, record it. Review the data for accuracy and completeness before leaving the field.
Record all the notes for one item in the same book and at the same place in the book.
A complete summary should be made for each item at the end of its field notes. This item
summary total will then be checked by those persons doing the final estimate and entered on the
summary sheet of the computation book.
Keep the calculations and measurements for Federal Aid participating and not-participating items
separated in the field books. This also applies to Joint Participation Agreement items.
When more than one job (State or Federal) is constructed under the same contract,
contract separate
field books should be set up for each job and the measurements and other data should be kept
separate for each job.
Field records for projects let under separate contracts should never be recorded in the same field
book. Field books should contain only records related to a single contract.
Do not cramp notes. Neatness and legibility give credence to the accuracy of field notes and the
calculations which they support.
The alignment field book should be submitted with the final estimate package. It should contain
all the necessary information for horizontal control for new construction projects and major
widening projects.
Fi ld b
Field
books
k used
d ffor recording
di alignment
li
t are tto b
be retained
t i d until
til th
the structure
t t
th
thatt th
they were
incorporated in is removed. Care should be exercised in labeling alignment field books. Separate
field books should be kept for these purposes, with front outside covers labeled with a large red
letter "P" and circled in red.

Image description: Page in a field notebook.

78

Many field measurements are made and documented in terms of elevations, depth
of cut, height of fill, ditch flowline elevation, etc. Roadway design features are based
on a series of bench mark (BM) elevations established along the highway at the
time of the original location survey. Since considerable time may pass between the
original survey and the start of construction, these BM elevations must be checked
to verify accuracy and to reestablish any that have been disturbed. This will be done
by the survey crew or contractor. All temporary BMs will be tied to the Project BMs
unless elevations are assumed.
assumed
Check levels must be run at the start of a construction project to assure that:
Construction will be done to design elevations; and
Final measurements for payment will be from the same base elevations as the
original survey.

Final measurement from inaccurate BMs could result in considerable overpayment

or underpayment to contractors.
Detailed instructions for establishing and checking bench marks are included in the
Department's Location Survey Handbook.
Image description: Original cross sections from notebook.

79

The volume of most earthwork is measured by cross sections, original ground line
cross sections before construction, and final cross sections on completion of the
work. Cross section notes are recorded in standard bound field notebooks.
Image description: Original cross sections from notebook.

80

There is no doubt that documentation should be the first priority. For a grading
project, there may be more than one diary for documentation. These could include:
Project Diary;
Spread Diary; and
Pipe Diary.

81

Thereisnodoubtthatdocumentationshouldbethefirstpriority.Foragradingproject,
theremaybemorethanonediaryfordocumentation.Thesecouldinclude:
ProjectDiary;
SpreadDiary;and
PipeDiary.

82

The project inspector is responsible for the Project Diary.

This diary may include:
Summary of contractors work;
Conversations with RCE, contractors superintendents, local property owners, and
visitors;
Changes to plans or specifications or documentation of traffic control; and
Work on contract items, etc.
In this diary, please indicate the date, time started, time stopped, and whether there
was a work day charged. The weather and the average temperature of the day
should be recorded.

83

The grade inspector is responsible for the Spread Diary.

This diary may include:
Activity of one or more grading spreads;
Superintendents name, crew number, and location of all work done each day;
List of each separate contract item the crew is working on; and
Estimated quantities of contract items for each day.
In addition, conversations with a foreman, property owners, RCE, project inspector,
and visitors should be recorded. An equipment log should certainly be a part of this
diary.

84

The pipe inspector is responsible for the Pipe Diary.

Similar information as the spread diary should be recorded.

85

Thepointofthedailydiaryistoprovideaccuraterecordsofdailyactivities.
Inmanycases,thisrecordhasprovidedtheDepartmentwithenoughinformationto
resolvedisputes.Alogofequipmentusedbythecontractorcanshowifacontractoris
makingaseriousefforttocompletetheproject.
Theinspectorisrequiredtokeeptrackofallcontractitems.Dailyquantityofeachitem
The
inspector is required to keep track of all contract items Daily quantity of each item
shouldberecordedforpaymentpurposes.

86

Select the best answer or answers. As an inspector, you need to know the following:
a) Survey party is responsible for checking longitudinal grades on the proposed
roadway;
b) Crew is responsible for checking longitudinal grades on the proposed roadway;
c) Grade requirements from the contract plans; or
d) None of the above.

87

The correct answers are:

a) Survey party is responsible for checking longitudinal grades on the proposed
roadway;
b) Crew is responsible for checking longitudinal grades on the proposed roadway;
and
c) Grade requirements from the contract plans.

88

True or false? On a Profile sheet, station numbers ascend from right to left on the
sheet bottom margin.

89

Thecorrectanswerisb)False.On a profile sheet, station numbers ascend from left to

right on the sheet bottom margin.

90

True or false? It is recommended to keep notes on loose-leaf or scratch pads and

transferring them to the field books back at the office.

91

The correct answer is b) False. Keeping notes on loose-leaf or scratch pads and
transferring them to the field books back at the office is prohibited since this practice
may result in errors in final pay calculations.

92

Match the following inspector to their responsibilities.

Inspector:
Project;
Grade; and
Pipe.
Responsibilities:
a) Activity of grading spreads;
b) Similar activities recorded in a Spread Diary; and
c) Changes to plans or specifications, documentation of traffic control.

93

The correct answers are as follows:

The project inspector is responsible for c) changes to plans or specifications,
documentation of traffic control;
The grade inspector is responsible for a) activity of grading spreads; and
The pipe inspector is responsible for b) similar activities recorded in a Spread
Diary.

94

We have covered the importance of grade verification and documentation for the
following:
Comparing existing to different layers of grade;
Verifying profile grades with plan sheet; and
Understanding documentation and field notes.

95

This concludes the module.

In this module, you have learned to identify the importance of:
Global Positioning System (GPS); and
Grade verification and documentation
Advance to the next screen to complete this course.
course

96

You have completed Module 2.

This concludes FHWA-NHI-132091 Earthworks Series: Grades and Grading.
Please select this link to give us your feedback so that NHI may continually improve
this training.
When you have finished, return to this page to print your certificate.
Hyperlink description: https://connectdot.connectsolutions.com/n132091certificate/

97

You have completed Module 2.

This concludes FHWA-NHI-132091 Earthworks Series: Grades and Grading.
Please select this link to give us your feedback so that NHI may continually improve
this training.
When you have finished, return to this page to print your certificate.
Hyperlink description: https://connectdot.connectsolutions.com/n132091certificate/

98