Topic 5– Use a Trigonometry in Building Layout
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Surveyor_s18.jpg
Trigonometry can be used to assist in building layout. Many locations can be laid out from a single point with blueprint information, a transit, and a few mathematical equations.
Curves and arcs can also be laid out using trigonometry and a transit or theodolite.
A more common use of a transit is to determine the height of an object.
For more information refer to Instruction Sheet on Brightspace, CNST 204 (p. 61-73):
IS 2.2 Trigonometric Functions for Building Layout
Review Questions
What is the formula used to find the tangent of an angle?
In figure 27, calculate the angle of A:
In figure 28, calculate the length of side “a”.
In figure 29, calculate the length of side “b”
Calculate the angle to be turned and the distances to be taped to lay out the building with the transit set up over point a only.:
Angle 1 is _____ (41°48’)– Angle 3 is _____ (63°26’)
Distance ac is _____ (11402 mm)– Distance ae is _____ (13 640.01 mm)
Angle 2 is _____ (51° 15’)– Angle 4 is _____ (90°)
Distance ad is _____ (9745.25 mm)– Distance af is _____ (12 200 mm)
Figure 31 shows a concrete grade beam with a curve in it. The total angle of the curve is 45°. The radius of the curve is 28 000 mm. Divide the curve into 9 parts and calculate the angles of deflection and the lengths of the chords so the curve can be laid out with a transit.
Size of the first angle of deflection “a” _____ (2°30’)
Length of chord for “a” _____ (2 443 mm)
Size of second angle “b” _____ (5°00’)
Length of chord for “b” _____ (4 881 mm)
Size of third angle “c” _____ (7°30’)
Length of chord for “c” _____ (7 310 mm)
Size of fourth angle “d” _____ (10°)
Length of chord for “d” _____ (9 724 mm)
Size of fifth angle “e” _____ (12°30’)
Length of chord for “e” _____ (12 121 mm)
Size of sixth angle “f” _____ (15°00’)
Length of chord for “f” _____ (14 494 mm)
Size of seventh angle “g” _____ (17°30’)
Length of chord for “g” _____ (16 840 mm)
Size of eight angle “h” _____ (20°00’)
Length of chord for “h” _____ (19 153 mm)
Size of final angle “I” _____ (22°30’)
Length of chord for “I” _____ (21 430 mm)
Calculate the height of the wall in the diagram below:
