Do Surveyors Still Use A Rod Man?

Every Survey Crew Should Have A Rod Man

A rod man is in charge of setting up the instruments and equipment needed to survey land. This includes loading all of the necessary surveying equipment into the vehicles, laying out the stakes required for elevation measurements and cleaning out any brush or trees that may interfere with the surveys. They also help the surveyor hold the prism pole that helps determine elevations of various points along the job site. The rodman can also measure how far these points are from each other using a tape or electronic measuring device. As such, a rod man is a vital part of the survey team, as it helps make the job easier for everyone. They have the ability to operate a lot of complicated equipment, and they know how to use each of the tools properly so that they can be sure that the survey results are accurate. They also have the right safety equipment to protect themselves from the elements and keep themselves safe while in the field.

Surveying Equipment Expertise

Surveying equipment is used to measure the angles and distances between different points in a construction site. This data can be used to create vectors, bearings, coordinates, elevations, areas, volumes, plans and maps. A theodolite and a total station are two common survey instruments that can be mechanical or electronic. A theodolite can only measure angles while a total station can measure both angles and distances. As a rod man, you operate these surveying tools to collect the necessary data for the project and assist other members of the crew. They also compile notes, make sketches and enter data into computers.

Travels To Where They’re Needed

A rodman works with steel rods to reinforce structures (may it be residential, commercial or high tension bridges). They are responsible for the assembling of these reinforcing materials according to blueprints and then placing them into a concrete structure. They also are responsible for stressing these post tensioning systems to a predetermined specification and validating them. It is a critical task in structural construction, as it ensures the safety and durability of the building or bridge. They are very specialized in this job and can travel to many different areas to work, including indoor facilities such as manufacturing plants, parking garages, transit systems or tunnels; outdoor areas such as dams and bridges; and isolated zones such as mines. It is a highly adventurous and lucrative career choice and requires extensive hands-on experience.