How land is made flat at scale
For building something like a big building or a parking garage, there is a need for a large flat surface of concrete. Wondering how they make the dirt and the concrete flat. It's hard to make a tiny flat surface at the beach in sand let along thousands of square feet. Wondering what sorts of machines tools or techniques are used at a high level.
surface-preparation
add a comment |
For building something like a big building or a parking garage, there is a need for a large flat surface of concrete. Wondering how they make the dirt and the concrete flat. It's hard to make a tiny flat surface at the beach in sand let along thousands of square feet. Wondering what sorts of machines tools or techniques are used at a high level.
surface-preparation
add a comment |
For building something like a big building or a parking garage, there is a need for a large flat surface of concrete. Wondering how they make the dirt and the concrete flat. It's hard to make a tiny flat surface at the beach in sand let along thousands of square feet. Wondering what sorts of machines tools or techniques are used at a high level.
surface-preparation
For building something like a big building or a parking garage, there is a need for a large flat surface of concrete. Wondering how they make the dirt and the concrete flat. It's hard to make a tiny flat surface at the beach in sand let along thousands of square feet. Wondering what sorts of machines tools or techniques are used at a high level.
surface-preparation
surface-preparation
asked Dec 17 at 23:01
Lance Pollard
1226
1226
add a comment |
add a comment |
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
For big constructions, there is a survey plan and a few bench marks marked and cemented by the surveyor. Then at the time of excavation there are auto rotating laser levels that cast a level moving beam which is easy to see and follow. there are reflecting mirrors and elevation readers.
Excavation is done in stages, from rough to fine contours using different heavy machinery depending on the type and configuration of the site. Many jobs call for presence of soils engineer at intervals to test the soils and determine their properties and if they match the project's soils report.
Concrete slabs can be leveled with vibrating, moving, or, rotating screeds or operator driven motorized finishers or manually. There are plastic stakes that mark the finish level and the have fittings for long aluminum levels.
Structural drawings usually call for 1/8" to 1/16" tolerance in slabs level.
add a comment |
Tear it up:
Smooth it out:
John Deere makes similar equipment, too. See here and here
The concrete is either poured in sections or pre-cast and delivered on-site. So the traditional techniques still work at scale.
What about the leveling part, making sure it is level. Maybe just a string at two points, and then the handheld leveler device at each end. But that doesn't account for bumps or small arcs in between. Wondering if it is just done by eyeing it.
– Lance Pollard
Dec 18 at 1:44
@LancePollard for level one way was a water filled pipe - water finds it’s own level...
– Solar Mike
Dec 18 at 4:53
add a comment |
Regarding Kamran's citation of laser leveling, note that this technique is also used to produce rice fields covering tens to hundreds of acres with very precise drainage slopes. In this case, the earth moving machine receives the light flashes from the rotating laser mirror and lifts or lowers the grading blade in response. The machine operator then simply drags the grader blade back and forth across the field to be leveled and as long as the laser can be seen by the grader, the required slope is produced.
add a comment |
Easier done than thought.
"Grading" and "levelling" are carried out in stages of approximation.
A grading machine or a common dozer can work up an even surface (horizontal or uniform gradient).
As for the good question, "It's hard to make a tiny flat surface at the beach in sand let alone thousands of square feet. Wondering what sorts of machines tools or techniques are used at a high level.": Remember that the surface of a liquid is always horizontal. A layer of concrete usually evens out the minor variations (bumps and pits), giving you a horizontal "flat" surface.
add a comment |
Your Answer
StackExchange.ifUsing("editor", function () {
return StackExchange.using("mathjaxEditing", function () {
StackExchange.MarkdownEditor.creationCallbacks.add(function (editor, postfix) {
StackExchange.mathjaxEditing.prepareWmdForMathJax(editor, postfix, [["$", "$"], ["\\(","\\)"]]);
});
});
}, "mathjax-editing");
StackExchange.ready(function() {
var channelOptions = {
tags: "".split(" "),
id: "595"
};
initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);
StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function() {
// Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled) {
StackExchange.using("snippets", function() {
createEditor();
});
}
else {
createEditor();
}
});
function createEditor() {
StackExchange.prepareEditor({
heartbeatType: 'answer',
autoActivateHeartbeat: false,
convertImagesToLinks: false,
noModals: true,
showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
reputationToPostImages: null,
bindNavPrevention: true,
postfix: "",
imageUploader: {
brandingHtml: "Powered by u003ca class="icon-imgur-white" href="https://imgur.com/"u003eu003c/au003e",
contentPolicyHtml: "User contributions licensed under u003ca href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/"u003ecc by-sa 3.0 with attribution requiredu003c/au003e u003ca href="https://stackoverflow.com/legal/content-policy"u003e(content policy)u003c/au003e",
allowUrls: true
},
noCode: true, onDemand: true,
discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
});
}
});
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fengineering.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f25138%2fhow-land-is-made-flat-at-scale%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
For big constructions, there is a survey plan and a few bench marks marked and cemented by the surveyor. Then at the time of excavation there are auto rotating laser levels that cast a level moving beam which is easy to see and follow. there are reflecting mirrors and elevation readers.
Excavation is done in stages, from rough to fine contours using different heavy machinery depending on the type and configuration of the site. Many jobs call for presence of soils engineer at intervals to test the soils and determine their properties and if they match the project's soils report.
Concrete slabs can be leveled with vibrating, moving, or, rotating screeds or operator driven motorized finishers or manually. There are plastic stakes that mark the finish level and the have fittings for long aluminum levels.
Structural drawings usually call for 1/8" to 1/16" tolerance in slabs level.
add a comment |
For big constructions, there is a survey plan and a few bench marks marked and cemented by the surveyor. Then at the time of excavation there are auto rotating laser levels that cast a level moving beam which is easy to see and follow. there are reflecting mirrors and elevation readers.
Excavation is done in stages, from rough to fine contours using different heavy machinery depending on the type and configuration of the site. Many jobs call for presence of soils engineer at intervals to test the soils and determine their properties and if they match the project's soils report.
Concrete slabs can be leveled with vibrating, moving, or, rotating screeds or operator driven motorized finishers or manually. There are plastic stakes that mark the finish level and the have fittings for long aluminum levels.
Structural drawings usually call for 1/8" to 1/16" tolerance in slabs level.
add a comment |
For big constructions, there is a survey plan and a few bench marks marked and cemented by the surveyor. Then at the time of excavation there are auto rotating laser levels that cast a level moving beam which is easy to see and follow. there are reflecting mirrors and elevation readers.
Excavation is done in stages, from rough to fine contours using different heavy machinery depending on the type and configuration of the site. Many jobs call for presence of soils engineer at intervals to test the soils and determine their properties and if they match the project's soils report.
Concrete slabs can be leveled with vibrating, moving, or, rotating screeds or operator driven motorized finishers or manually. There are plastic stakes that mark the finish level and the have fittings for long aluminum levels.
Structural drawings usually call for 1/8" to 1/16" tolerance in slabs level.
For big constructions, there is a survey plan and a few bench marks marked and cemented by the surveyor. Then at the time of excavation there are auto rotating laser levels that cast a level moving beam which is easy to see and follow. there are reflecting mirrors and elevation readers.
Excavation is done in stages, from rough to fine contours using different heavy machinery depending on the type and configuration of the site. Many jobs call for presence of soils engineer at intervals to test the soils and determine their properties and if they match the project's soils report.
Concrete slabs can be leveled with vibrating, moving, or, rotating screeds or operator driven motorized finishers or manually. There are plastic stakes that mark the finish level and the have fittings for long aluminum levels.
Structural drawings usually call for 1/8" to 1/16" tolerance in slabs level.
edited Dec 18 at 7:19
answered Dec 18 at 2:20
kamran
3,7041410
3,7041410
add a comment |
add a comment |
Tear it up:
Smooth it out:
John Deere makes similar equipment, too. See here and here
The concrete is either poured in sections or pre-cast and delivered on-site. So the traditional techniques still work at scale.
What about the leveling part, making sure it is level. Maybe just a string at two points, and then the handheld leveler device at each end. But that doesn't account for bumps or small arcs in between. Wondering if it is just done by eyeing it.
– Lance Pollard
Dec 18 at 1:44
@LancePollard for level one way was a water filled pipe - water finds it’s own level...
– Solar Mike
Dec 18 at 4:53
add a comment |
Tear it up:
Smooth it out:
John Deere makes similar equipment, too. See here and here
The concrete is either poured in sections or pre-cast and delivered on-site. So the traditional techniques still work at scale.
What about the leveling part, making sure it is level. Maybe just a string at two points, and then the handheld leveler device at each end. But that doesn't account for bumps or small arcs in between. Wondering if it is just done by eyeing it.
– Lance Pollard
Dec 18 at 1:44
@LancePollard for level one way was a water filled pipe - water finds it’s own level...
– Solar Mike
Dec 18 at 4:53
add a comment |
Tear it up:
Smooth it out:
John Deere makes similar equipment, too. See here and here
The concrete is either poured in sections or pre-cast and delivered on-site. So the traditional techniques still work at scale.
Tear it up:
Smooth it out:
John Deere makes similar equipment, too. See here and here
The concrete is either poured in sections or pre-cast and delivered on-site. So the traditional techniques still work at scale.
answered Dec 18 at 0:28
GlenH7♦
4,23832344
4,23832344
What about the leveling part, making sure it is level. Maybe just a string at two points, and then the handheld leveler device at each end. But that doesn't account for bumps or small arcs in between. Wondering if it is just done by eyeing it.
– Lance Pollard
Dec 18 at 1:44
@LancePollard for level one way was a water filled pipe - water finds it’s own level...
– Solar Mike
Dec 18 at 4:53
add a comment |
What about the leveling part, making sure it is level. Maybe just a string at two points, and then the handheld leveler device at each end. But that doesn't account for bumps or small arcs in between. Wondering if it is just done by eyeing it.
– Lance Pollard
Dec 18 at 1:44
@LancePollard for level one way was a water filled pipe - water finds it’s own level...
– Solar Mike
Dec 18 at 4:53
What about the leveling part, making sure it is level. Maybe just a string at two points, and then the handheld leveler device at each end. But that doesn't account for bumps or small arcs in between. Wondering if it is just done by eyeing it.
– Lance Pollard
Dec 18 at 1:44
What about the leveling part, making sure it is level. Maybe just a string at two points, and then the handheld leveler device at each end. But that doesn't account for bumps or small arcs in between. Wondering if it is just done by eyeing it.
– Lance Pollard
Dec 18 at 1:44
@LancePollard for level one way was a water filled pipe - water finds it’s own level...
– Solar Mike
Dec 18 at 4:53
@LancePollard for level one way was a water filled pipe - water finds it’s own level...
– Solar Mike
Dec 18 at 4:53
add a comment |
Regarding Kamran's citation of laser leveling, note that this technique is also used to produce rice fields covering tens to hundreds of acres with very precise drainage slopes. In this case, the earth moving machine receives the light flashes from the rotating laser mirror and lifts or lowers the grading blade in response. The machine operator then simply drags the grader blade back and forth across the field to be leveled and as long as the laser can be seen by the grader, the required slope is produced.
add a comment |
Regarding Kamran's citation of laser leveling, note that this technique is also used to produce rice fields covering tens to hundreds of acres with very precise drainage slopes. In this case, the earth moving machine receives the light flashes from the rotating laser mirror and lifts or lowers the grading blade in response. The machine operator then simply drags the grader blade back and forth across the field to be leveled and as long as the laser can be seen by the grader, the required slope is produced.
add a comment |
Regarding Kamran's citation of laser leveling, note that this technique is also used to produce rice fields covering tens to hundreds of acres with very precise drainage slopes. In this case, the earth moving machine receives the light flashes from the rotating laser mirror and lifts or lowers the grading blade in response. The machine operator then simply drags the grader blade back and forth across the field to be leveled and as long as the laser can be seen by the grader, the required slope is produced.
Regarding Kamran's citation of laser leveling, note that this technique is also used to produce rice fields covering tens to hundreds of acres with very precise drainage slopes. In this case, the earth moving machine receives the light flashes from the rotating laser mirror and lifts or lowers the grading blade in response. The machine operator then simply drags the grader blade back and forth across the field to be leveled and as long as the laser can be seen by the grader, the required slope is produced.
answered Dec 18 at 5:39
niels nielsen
3,3621211
3,3621211
add a comment |
add a comment |
Easier done than thought.
"Grading" and "levelling" are carried out in stages of approximation.
A grading machine or a common dozer can work up an even surface (horizontal or uniform gradient).
As for the good question, "It's hard to make a tiny flat surface at the beach in sand let alone thousands of square feet. Wondering what sorts of machines tools or techniques are used at a high level.": Remember that the surface of a liquid is always horizontal. A layer of concrete usually evens out the minor variations (bumps and pits), giving you a horizontal "flat" surface.
add a comment |
Easier done than thought.
"Grading" and "levelling" are carried out in stages of approximation.
A grading machine or a common dozer can work up an even surface (horizontal or uniform gradient).
As for the good question, "It's hard to make a tiny flat surface at the beach in sand let alone thousands of square feet. Wondering what sorts of machines tools or techniques are used at a high level.": Remember that the surface of a liquid is always horizontal. A layer of concrete usually evens out the minor variations (bumps and pits), giving you a horizontal "flat" surface.
add a comment |
Easier done than thought.
"Grading" and "levelling" are carried out in stages of approximation.
A grading machine or a common dozer can work up an even surface (horizontal or uniform gradient).
As for the good question, "It's hard to make a tiny flat surface at the beach in sand let alone thousands of square feet. Wondering what sorts of machines tools or techniques are used at a high level.": Remember that the surface of a liquid is always horizontal. A layer of concrete usually evens out the minor variations (bumps and pits), giving you a horizontal "flat" surface.
Easier done than thought.
"Grading" and "levelling" are carried out in stages of approximation.
A grading machine or a common dozer can work up an even surface (horizontal or uniform gradient).
As for the good question, "It's hard to make a tiny flat surface at the beach in sand let alone thousands of square feet. Wondering what sorts of machines tools or techniques are used at a high level.": Remember that the surface of a liquid is always horizontal. A layer of concrete usually evens out the minor variations (bumps and pits), giving you a horizontal "flat" surface.
answered Dec 18 at 10:47
Kris
101
101
add a comment |
add a comment |
Thanks for contributing an answer to Engineering Stack Exchange!
- Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!
But avoid …
- Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.
- Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.
Use MathJax to format equations. MathJax reference.
To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.
Some of your past answers have not been well-received, and you're in danger of being blocked from answering.
Please pay close attention to the following guidance:
- Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!
But avoid …
- Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.
- Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.
To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fengineering.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f25138%2fhow-land-is-made-flat-at-scale%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown