Dumpy Level Surveying, About, Components, Advantages & Limitations

• The prime reason for performing levelling on a construction site is to make the field level and even.
• To determine the differences in height between two points.
• To measure the height and distance of different locations of surveying land through the principle of relativity.
• To measure following distance amongst various point on the surveying land.
• Setting out levels and inclined surfaces for construction.
• To draw contours on land.

• Eye Piece: It comprises of a magnifying glass and is primarily used by the observer.
• Objective Piece: it is placed at the farther end of eyepiece. It comprises a convex lens and a concave lens.
• Diaphragm: Provided in the outline of the eyepiece with the cross of dark metal. They are provided to bisect object.
• Focusing Screw: They are meant to align the focus and image clarity of the object.
• Ray Shade: Prevents sunlight from entering the objective lens.

• Dumpy Level
• Tripod with foot screws.
• E-meter Staff/ English Staff

Setup a Benchmark [BM]:-

The process of surveying starts from a specified benchmark with already known height concerning Mean Sea Level (MSL). This previous data of benchmark can be acquired from previous surveys. Benchmark data is usually found on churches, govt buildings, municipal offices, Railway station boards, etc. If data is not available, one may choose an arbitrary point (temporary benchmark like fence post etc) with an assumed height.

You can look up the benchmarks of your location from here 

In the above Railway Board, you can see Mean sea level is mentioned.

Location and Position of Dumpy level:

Select a place where you have a clear sight of the benchmark. It is recommended to set up the instrument in the centre of the land where you can see all the site including benchmark.

Setting up Dumpy level on Tripod:-

The Tripod has to be placed firmly on the ground so that it can efficiently hold the dumpy level. In general, the tripod height must be adjusted up till eyesight. One must ensure the legs of the tripod stand are wide enough to hold the instrument properly and legs are properly inserted into the ground.

The dumpy level is to be firmly and securely fixed with the tripod stand through the foot screws. One must ensure that the device is tightly fixed with a tripod. Since the level head is very sensitive, and the instrument is very costly, special care should be taken while handling it.

To work efficiently, the Dumpy level must behold in the complete horizontal direction. Foot screws aka Levelling screws could be used to set a levelled condition. The levelling screws must be adjusted until the alignment bubble is aligned in the centre of the marking level. To bring the bubble in the centre, levelling screws are further adjusted.

Observations and Readings:-

Backsight [BS] Reading:

The first reading which surveyor needs to take is back sight. Backsight reading helps you to find out the height of the instrument(H.I.). These two readings enable us to proceed with further foresight level readings.  The second man (assistant) should hold the staff “vertically” on the benchmark. The operator begins the surveying operation by viewing through the eyepiece of the telescope and rotate the dump level until the crosshairs are lined up with the E staff. Then look and focus to see the numbers on E Staff. The staff comprises of both metric and imperial measurements. The “E” marking on the staff signifies 5 cm as of metric scale.

Height of the Instrument (H.I.) or Height of the Level: 

To find out the height of the level, you must know the height of the backsight which we have noted in the previous step. Now add the benchmark height to the backsight height which will give you the height of the instrument.

Foresight readings:

After finding the height of the instrument you are now ready to proceed with the foresight readings. Locate and mark the points (A, B, C) on the ground at which you intended to find out the level. Place the E Staff on the selected point (Suppose ‘A’) and hold it vertically. Repeat the same procedure of taking readings from E Staff which we performed to find out the backsight height. Record the readings from E staff and find out the foresight height of (Point ‘A’).

Calculating the Reduced level:

The reduced level is the difference of Height of the instrument and Foresight reading.

The results are tabulated in the below table.

This reduced level gives a report about the quantity of backfill needs to be added or the quantity of excavation needs to be done to make the ground even.

Example:

In the above image, you can clearly understand that the ground is uneven and levelling is must to construct any structure on this land.

We considered the Benchmark height = 60mts

Height of the instrument = 1.1mts

and the foresight height of point A  = 2.50m

Reduced level =60+1.1-2.5 = 58.60m.

A simple task for you find out the reduced levels of point B and C from the above image and enter your result in comments.

Precautions while setting up Dumpy level:

The dumpy level is all about levels. Necessary precautions should be taken while handling the instrument. If not instrument will go out of level and process inaccurate results.

• The tripod must be adjusted till eye height.
• Try to avoid touching or applying pressure on the tripod while moving around.
• When moving around the tripod, make sure you don't trip over the legs.
• Keep checking the bubble, minute fluctuation in a bubble gives inaccurate results.
• Avoid setting up the instrument on soft ground.

• Simpler construction with minimum movable parts
• Minimum adjustments are to be made
• High rigidity makes it versatile for long-duration surveys
• High optical power
• Cost-efficient in terms of usage on diversified construction sites

• Limited to the site with horizontal angle measurement
• There might be a certain level of discrepancies in the values obtained.