English for Civil Engineering: Measurements in Civil Engineering

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Civil Engineering measurements have now become an important part of modern society. In fact, it has become one of the fields that many students are interested in. Because there are many benefits such as being able to build construction, roads and many other things.

In the field of engineering, especially civil engineering, measuring an area is very important. This aims to determine the physical condition of the surface of the area. For example, to find out the difference in height and low in an area where a highway is planned to be built, careful measurements must be taken first. From here it is finally known which parts need to be excavated or buried. If this is not done, the highway will have a shape that is too winding, climbing and descending. This obviously increases the cost of transporting a vehicle, as well as increasing costs for materials and equipment. In this kind of measurement, the tools used are usually a theodolite, spirit level, rolling meter, and so on.

The vast expanse of the earth's surface has an irregular shape, resulting in problems in being able to determine the shape of the relief from the ground surface. Thus, finally, thanks to the tenacity of scientists, a science emerged relating to this problem, namely the science of Geodesy.

Geodesy is a science that is used to determine the shape (form) and size of part or all of the land surface in order to depict it. Meanwhile, land surveying is only a small part of the science of geodesy. The science of geodesy has two purposes, namely:

1. Scientific purpose: determining the shape of the earth's surface.

2. Practical purpose: to make a shadow, which is called map science, of a large or small part of the earth's surface.

Examples of tools used in measurements in the field of Civil Engineering are:

1. Water level

2. Roll meters

3. Measuring tank

4. Stakes

5. Other tools

Understanding Land Measurement in Civil Engineering

For those who are still unfamiliar with this matter, the science of land measurement is actually a branch of Geodesy which specifically studies a small part of the earth's surface. In practice, you can use various survey methods to get final results in the form of accurate maps. In simple terms, in the world of services we can call it a mapping service.

Geodesy itself covers many things, not only measuring the area of land on land, but also water areas in the form of seas, rivers, lakes and others. Describes the topography in the depths of water, analyses decision making and statistical calculations.

Various Types of Civil Engineering Measurement Sciences Based on Elements

Apart from the various methods that can be used to measure land, there are also groupings in the category of measuring science which are divided into several fields, the classification is based on the coverage of elements that exist in nature. Here's the review:

1. Land Surveying

Land surveying or what is often called land measurement. Things included in this group are topography and cadastral measurements. Both have their respective roles and different subjects.

Topography itself is a method used to measure land using natural or artificial marks on the land and to determine the topography down to the smallest detail. Meanwhile, cadaster is a land parcel information administration system.

2. Water Surveying

Next is marine or hydrographic or what is more often called water measurements. The categories included include measurements for tides, construction of coastal buildings such as tourism management, ports, reclamation, and many more.

Apart from these things, water measurements can also be used for ship navigation, or to determine the ebb and flow of waves in that water area. Currently, the Indonesian Navy has even used this technique to increase the country's maritime resilience.

3. Astronomical Surveying

Then there is astronomical surveying or what is often called astronomical measurements. This is an activity carried out to determine the position on the face of the earth by utilizing objects in the sky.

The methods used in measurements are also varied, such as apparent star magnitude, absolute, and many more. However, high expertise and precision is required so that the results obtained are accurate and can be accounted for.

Civil Engineering Measurements Based on Area of Coverage

After knowing more about soil science measurements based on elements found in nature, we can now classify them according to the extent of coverage in the area. There are various types of methods that can be used in the field. Here's the review:

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1. Triangulation

Triangulation is a method that refers to the consistency of a study. By testing the validity of the data, matching or comparing it with something else. Researchers usually do this in various ways, for example looking for clear sources, interviews.

The calculation method using the triangulation method is to find the coordinates of a point by calculating the length of the side of the triangle opposite that point. The size of the two lines between these coordinate points must be known, because they will be used as reference material.

2. Trilateration

It can be interpreted as a way to find the coordinates of a certain point with the condition that at least 3 points have been confirmed. Then, you will always get a central or central point. This method has quite complex calculations compared to triangulation

However, in practice it turns out to be simpler than expected, researchers actually prefer to use this method because the results they obtain tend to be more accurate and do not require a long waiting time.

3. Polygon

Next there are polygons, this method is used to determine the horizontal position of many points which are connected by distance and angle to form a series of angles in the form of points or polygons. This method also has a classification based on shape.

4. Offset

By using the offset method, the researchers will find the coordinates of a building by developing straight lines at each end corner. Then after creating a guide line that will be used as a reference.

This method tends to be widely used for building construction, some are also used on roads and other developments. In practice, officers will use the help of a prism to avoid mistakes that usually occur in the field.

References:

https://www.ice.org.uk/engineering-resources/best-practice/civil-engineering-standard-measurement

https://dailycivil.com/civil-engineering-measurements-conversion-factors/

https://www.engineeringcivil.com/theory/measurement-units