Taping correction

q The principal systematic errors in linear measurements

made with a tape

:
These corrections are discussed below
1.Correction for Absolute Length
If you have given a tape for measuring a length at field. Before
using the tape its actual length should be ascertained by
comparing it with a standard tape of known
length. The designated nominal length of the tape is its
designated length e.g. 30m or 100m. The
absolute length of the tape is its actual length under specified
condition.
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Where

l = length of reference tape

l = nominal length of field tape
L = total measured length
C = Correction per tape length
Example1: A distance is measured with a 50m steel tape
and is found to be 1357.40m. Later the tape is
standardized and is found to have an actual length of
49.96m. What is the correct distance measured?

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2.Correction for Temperature

If the tape is used at a field temperature different from the

standardization temperature then the temperature

correction to the measured length is
Ct= (T-Ts)*L

Where: Ct =temperature correction (m)

= the coefficient of thermal expansion of the tape
material/C0
T= the mean field temperature(0C)
Ts= the standardization temperature(0C)

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 Example2: A traverse line is 152.4 m long. If the tape

used in the field is 50.0m when standardized at 170c,

what correction must be applied if the temperature at
the time of measurement is 230c? ( =11.2*10-6/0c)
Solution: Ct=L (T-Ts)
= 50*11.2x10-6(23-17)
= 3.36 x10-3 m/length
Total correction = 15250 . 4 * 3 . 36 x10 3

0 . 010 m

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3.Correction for Pull or Tension

If the pull applied to the tape in the field is different

from the standardization pull, the pull correction is to be
applied to the measured length. This correction is

P Ps L
Cp
Where

kg/cm2
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AE

Cp is the correction per tape length (m)

P is the tension applied (kg)
Ps standard tension (kg)
L the length (m)
A is the cross-sectional area of tape (cm2)
E is the modulus of elasticity of the steel tape
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 Example3: A 30m tape weighing 0.90kg has crosssectional area of 0.0485 cm2. The tape measures
29.94m when it is pulled under a tension of 45kg.
The tape was standardized under a tension of 10kg
and modulus of elasticity of the tape is 2.1x106
kg/cm2. Determine the correct distance measured.

Solution: Using the above equation (correction

for pull)
( p Ps ) L
Cp
A.E
( 45 10 ) 30

0 . 0485 * 2 . 1 x 10
0 . 010

The correct distance =29.94+0.010= 29.95m

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4. Correction for Sag

Due to the formation of sag on tape, the horizontal distance

between points will be less than the true reading on the tape,
which is supported for its entire length.
The correction to be applied is the difference in length
between the arc and the subtending chord. For the purpose
of determining the correction, the arc may be assumed to be
a parabola, and the correction is then given by;
2

w L
W L
Cs

2
2
24 P
24 P
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where w=weight per unit length (N/m)

T=tension applied (N)
L=recorded length (m)
Cs =correction of sag (m)
As w=W/L, where
W is the total weight of the tape,

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The sign of this correction is always negative.

If both the ends of the tape are not at the same level, a
further correction due to slope is required. It is given by
cs= cscos Where = the angle of slope between the end

supports.

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5. Correction for slope: - The distance measured along

the slope between two stations is always
greater than the horizontal distance measured b/n them,
their difference is known as slope
correction. This is always negative. The formula for the
slope correction is devised as follows.

Cs1 = L - D
=L - L cos

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6.Correction for Altitude

If the surveying to connected to the functional mapping
of the country, the distance will need to be reduced to the
common datum at that system normally.

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7. Correction for alignment: - Generally a surveying lines

is set out obstruction to follow line may be composed of
two or more straight lines subtending on angle other
than 180
.

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