Site layout surveys are among the most important early processes in any construction project. This process involves interpreting the plans for a construction site and marking out the exact locations of proposed new structures with stakes. These structures can include new buildings, and even new roads.
The purpose of the construction staking process is to ensure a project is developed exactly to the specifications of the engineers who designed the project. The stakes act as points of reference during the construction process as the improvements are built up, and also help guarantee the project will be completed on budget and on schedule.
Therefore, it should come as no surprise that accuracy in the construction staking process is absolutely crucial in leading to a construction project’s success. To ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible, you should only work with skilled and experienced land surveyors in Texas, as this enables you to get the utmost accuracy and reliability in the results of your survey.
What you can expect the land surveyor to do
What exactly does the land surveyor do during the construction staking process?
First, you can expect them to spend some time analyzing the designs provided by the engineer or architect to familiarize themselves with the project. After this analysis, they will stake out the location of all structures on the grounds to show construction contractors and subcontractors exactly where they need to work when starting actual physical construction on buildings, fences, roads, utilities and more in the area.
There are a couple different forms of construction staking—rough grade staking and site layout staking are the two most common.
Rough grade staking involves defining the location of the improvements on the construction site by referencing their location and final grade elevation. This process is frequently used for slope construction, for developing building outlines and for creating roads and parking lots. When it’s done, the contractor is able to grade and prepare the site for the next subcontractor to commence their work.
Site layout staking can occur after a site has been inspected and approved by the local agencies with jurisdiction over the project. When this happens, contractors are able to move on to various stages of construction of underground utilities, buildings, retaining walls, parking lots and street paving. This phase generally starts off with underground features, and once those features are complete, the above-ground features get staked out for their own construction processes. All corners of buildings get staked, as do any interior grid lines located throughout a building as well as items such as gutters, fire hydrants, curbs, planters, walls, area drains and catch basins.
This is just a general overview of the construction staking process. If you’re interested in learning more about the many uses and benefits of the services of land surveyors in Texas, we encourage you to contact the team at D.G. Smyth & Company today and we will be happy to answer any questions you have. We look forward to assisting you soon!