SURVEY
PART 1 GENERAL
1.1SECTION INCLUDES
A.Construction surveying, staking, measurement, and calculations essential
to complete the project and properly control the entire work.
B.Directed surveying.
C.Processes and procedures for implementing Machine Control Guidance
(MCG)technology. MCG uses Global Positioning System (GPS) and
Robotic Total Station (RTS) in conjunction with three-dimensional computer models to determine the precise location and elevation of the materials being moved.
1.2RELATED SECTIONS
A.Section 02765: Pavement Marking Paint
1.3REFERENCES
A.UDOT CADD Standards
B.UDOT Plan Sheet Development Standards
C.UDOT Survey & Geomatics Standards Manual
D.Utah Administrative Code
E.Utah Code
1.4DEFINITIONS Not Used
1.5SUBMITTALS
A.Submittals must be signed and sealed by a Professional Land Surveyor
licensed in the State of Utah.
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B.Statement before work begins indicating Department provided horizontal
and vertical survey control has been field checked and the control has been determined to be accurate within the tolerances specified in the UDOT Survey and Geomatics Standards Manual. Refer to http://www.udot.utah.gov/go/standardsreferences.
1.Attach field survey information used to verify control.
2.Contact the Engineer verbally and in writing if discrepancies are
found.
3.Include additional survey points required to implement the
MCG/RTS technology.
C.Written description of the equipment before beginning work including
calibration certifications, manpower, methods, and data storage format proposed for use to complete survey activities.
D.Surveying and design data:
1.As-built survey and design data to the Engineer after project
completion with compliance to the UDOT Survey and Geomatics Standards, Plan Sheet Development Standards, and UDOT CADD Standards. Refer to http://www.udot.utah.gov/go/standardsreferences.
2.Complete the following if design plans were included with the
advertising package for the project:
a.Provide a red-lined hard copy plan set showing "As-built"
features denoting changes from the original design.
b.Provide an electronic copy of the red-lined 11 x 17 "As-built"
plan, containing the “As-Built” stamp dated and signed by the Engineer (Utah Code 58-22-602), in a colored PDF format as follows: 1) Resolution of not less than 400 dpi. 2) Individual file sizes not greater than 100 megabytes. 3) Group similar sheet types together into individual PDF files such as Summary Sheets grouped together in a single PDF file or Summary Sheets and Plan and Profile Sheets grouped together in a single PDF file.
3.Complete the following if the Department provides 3D elements, 3D
models, or both at advertising:
a.As-Built files and final model denoting design changes from
the original design named and placed in accordance to the UDOT CADD Standards Manual, Plan Sheet Development Standards, and submitted into the UDOT Projectwise System.
b.Intermediate models at request of the Engineer.
c.Support paperless inspection when plan sheets are not
provided.
d.Documentation of quality control measurements.
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e.As-Built model with approval of the Engineer to document
design changes if construction of a project was based on a model prepared by the Contractor or a project that was not designed using paperless methodology.
E.Survey Monuments certified supplement
1.Refer to this Section, Article 3.12, paragraph C3 for submittal of
drawings and notes.
F.Provide the following for MCG technology implementation:
1.Notification that MCG will be used on the project at preconstruction
meeting.
2.Electronic or hand written stakeout/cut-fill reports or both for cross
section stakes, according to this Section, Article 3.5.
a.Reports are not required when measurement of work is by
“Plan Quantity” or Weight.
1.6MEASUREMENT
A.Directed Survey – Use a survey crew measured by the hour and approved
if extra survey work is directed. Department makes no additional payment for travel time to and from the project.
1.7PAYMENT
A.Directed survey work is paid for in the accepted quantities if needed and
approved at a standard negotiated rate.
1.8QUALITY ASSURANCE
A.Assume responsibility for survey and control of the work and for correcting
errors whether the errors are discovered during the actual survey work or in subsequent phases of the project and bears cost overruns resulting from errors.
B.Any 3D model used in conjunction with MCG must be verified and
approved before use by the Contractor.
C.Assume responsibility for construction errors that result from the 3-D
model once the design 3D model has been accepted.
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PART 2 PRODUCTS
2.1EQUIPMENT
A.Tools, supplies, and stakes suitable for use in highway survey work.
B.Stakes and hubs of sufficient length to provide a solid set in the ground
with sufficient surface area above ground for necessary legible markings.
C.Survey instruments and supporting equipment capable of achieving the
specified tolerances.
1.Calibrate survey equipment annually and check for accuracy before
beginning survey work and as required throughout the duration of the project. Make the calibration certificate available upon the Engineers request.
2.2EQUIPMENT FOR DEPARTMENT USE
A.Provide and maintain the following equipment when MCG is used on the
project:
1.GPS Capable Rover compatible with the other GPS equipment
being used on the project.
2.Other hardware and software associated with the equipment so that
Department personnel can operate the equipment for quality assurance purposes.
3.Provide adequate training so that Department personnel can
operate the survey equipment. 4 Make GPS rover available immediately upon request from the Engineer.
5.Develop a process with the Department to check-in and check-out
equipment from the Contractor.
PART 3 EXECUTION
3.1PREPARATION
A.Discuss and coordinate the following with the Engineer before survey work
begins:
1.Submittals
2.Survey and staking methods
3.Stake markings
4.Grade control
5.Referencing
6.Structure control
7.Other procedures and control necessary for the work
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8.Documentation procedures
B.Establish construction survey points, elevations, and grades as necessary
to control layout and complete the work.
1.Verify control surveying and staking meet specified tolerances
before beginning work.
C.Calculate grades, elevations, offsets, and alignment data necessary for
staking or setting items of work.
D.The Department will provide, if available:
1.Horizontal and vertical control points and elevation benchmarks.
a.Do not disturb control points and elevation benchmarks.
2.Cross sections developed during design, if any
3.Electronic project data
4.Digital Terrain Model used for design
5.3-D data consisting of:
a.LandXML files for the Design Digital Terrain Models,
including features for projects implementing MCG
b.LandXML files for the Design Alignments
c.Bentley iModel may be substituted for LandXML data.
d.Bentley 3-D .dgn line work files.
E.Record keeping – Keep field notes, diaries, and books according to
standard surveying practice.
1.Make available survey records including field notebooks and forms
used for the work to the Engineer upon request.
2.Electronic records and reports are acceptable
F.Contract Provision Disclaimer
1.Provide a written request to the Engineer to obtain electronic data.
a.Electronic data is available in UDOT standard CADD formats
only.
b.Waive claims that may result from the use of or reliance on
the electronic data.
2.Electronic Data is prepared by the Department for its own purposes
and not for the benefit of private individuals or businesses.
3.Indemnify and hold the Department harmless for damages, costs,
attorney fees, or other liabilities that might be incurred as a result of the Department’s use and reliance on the Contractor’s modified data.
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3.2DIRECTED SURVEY
A.Conduct directed surveying if directed by the Engineer.
1.Includes work needed for changes and extra work.
2.Provide labor, materials, and equipment including total stations,
global positioning system (GPS), LiDAR scanning or other equipment.
3.3COMPUTATIONS AND PLOTS
A.Use cross-sections to calculate volume measurements.
1.Superimpose final cross sections with original cross sections and
calculate final quantities using the average end area method.
2.Develop cross-sections from field measurements.
a.Take cross section measurements both before and after
excavation and before backfill.
b.Take cross sections at a maximum centerline spacing of 15ft
when the centerline curve radius is less than or equal to 500 ft.
c.Take cross sections at a maximum spacing of 30 ft when the
centerline curve radius is greater than 500 ft.
d.Take additional cross sections at breaks in terrain and at
changes in typical sections.
e.Measure and record points at breaks in terrain for each
cross section but at least every 15 ft.
f.Measure and record points to at least the anticipated slopes
and reference locations.
g.Reduce cross section distances to horizontal distances from
centerline.
h.Take cross sections at right angles to tangents and normal
to curves.
i.Include in cross sections: grades, locations, and existing
ground line profiles.
3.May develop volumes from digital terrain models if:
a.Ground survey locations do not exceed 50 ft in any direction.
b.Major horizontal and vertical breaks in terrain are also
included.
c.Horizontal and vertical control for the project is used.
d.DTM is verified accurate to required tolerances as indicated
in the UDOT Survey & Geomatics Standards manual by spot checking throughout the length of the project. Refer to http://www.udot.utah.gov/go/standardsreferences to view this manual.
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3.4STAKE MAINTENANCE AND MARKINGS
A.Provide and maintain reference/location stakes that identify stationing at
least every 100 ft until the work has reached physical completion and accepted by the Engineer for each alignment and approved for removal.
1.Provide reference/location stakes at whole station intervals such as
1032+00.
B.Maintain staking necessary for the work until the construction has reached
physical completion, accepted by the Engineer, and approved for removal.
1.Legibly mark survey stakes with station and offset referenced to
their respective control line.
2.Mark slope, reference, and guard stakes with station.
3.Renew illegible or damaged stakes.
3.5SURVEY TOLERANCES
A.Follow the guidelines set in the UDOT Survey & Geomatics Standards
manual.
1.Refer to http://www.udot.utah.gov/go/standardsreferences to view
this manual.
B.Amend the survey control diagram as requested for the project.
1.Have the amended diagram sealed, signed, and dated by a
Professional Land Surveyor in accordance with UC 58-22-601, 602, 603, and Utah Administrative Code R156-22-601.
2.Refer to http://www.udot.utah.gov/go/standardsreferences for Utah
Code and Utah Administrative Code.
C.Relocate initial horizontal and vertical survey control points in conflict with
construction to areas that will not be disturbed by construction operations.
1.Furnish to the Region Surveyor in coordination with the Engineer
the coordinates and elevations for the relocated points before the initial points are disturbed.
D.Protect benchmarks from construction activities.
1.Position benchmarks to allow a level rod to stand vertically and
squarely on the mark.
E.Reference benchmarks to centerline and horizontal measurements.
1.Compensate or correct for systematic errors, including those
associated with instrument calibration
2.Select the appropriate equipment and methods, and use trained
personnel.
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3.Use appropriate error propagation and other measurement design
theory to select the proper instruments, field procedures, geometric layouts and computational procedures to control random errors.
F.Apply appropriate procedures to verify that the allowable positional
tolerance of such points is not exceeded if radial survey methods, GPS, or other acceptable technologies or procedures are used to locate or establish points on the survey.
G.The positional tolerance may be tested by:
1.Comparing the relative location of points in a survey as measured
by an independent survey of equal or higher accuracy or,
2.The results of a minimally constrained, correctly weighted least
squares adjustment of the points on the survey.
H.Employ field procedures, instrumentation and adequate survey personnel
in order to achieve a precision of 0.02 feet (or 6 mm) + 20 ppm.
1.See Table 1 for construction staking tolerances.
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Table 1 CONSTRUCTION STAKING TOLERANCES Horizontal Vertical Description Decimals of a foot Box Culverts ± 0.02 ± 0.02 Bridge Superstructures ± 0.02 ± 0.02 Bridge Substructures ± 0.02 ± 0.02 Clearing and Grubbing Stakes ± 1.00 ----- Construction Centerline Control ± 0.05 ----- Construction Centerline Station ± 0.10 ----- Curbs, Walks, and Bike Paths ± 0.03 ± 0.02 Grade Stakes – Roadway Subgrade ± 0.20 ± 0.05 Grade Stakes – Top of Rock ± 0.20 ± 0.03 Grade Stakes – Roadway Finish ± 0.10 ± 0.02 Luminaire and Signal Poles (incl. ± 0.20 ± 0.20 Manholes, Inlets, and Culverts ± 0.10 ± 0.03 PCC Pavement ± 0.10 ± 0.02 Slope Stakes and References ± 0.30 ± 0.10 Traffic Markings ± 0.20 ----- Walls – Retaining, MSE, Sound, etc. ± 0.05 ± 0.05 Wetland Mitigation Control Stakes ± 0.20 ± 0.20 Notes:
1.Stakes for miscellaneous items not listed above will have a horizontal and vertical
tolerance of 0.20 ft, unless otherwise directed.
2.Features that are to be constructed flush to another surface should take on the same
tolerance as that surface.
3.Staking tolerances for special circumstances will be discussed at the pre-survey meeting.
4.Meet the appropriate construction tolerances for the material as specified in the special
provisions or standard specifications, regardless of the construction staking tolerances, specific to the work item.
5.Use bridge control once established, independent of other project controls for the
duration of the bridge construction. Refer to Survey & Geomatics Standards manual for bridge control methodology. Refer to http://www.udot.utah.gov/go/standardsreferences.
6.Tolerances stated for each type of construction stake in this table indicates the
acceptable deviation of the position of each reference point from its computed position relative to the given alignment and grade. Staked positions are generally checked using electronic stakeout reports and, if within tolerances, the stated position is accepted. Reference points may also have an accuracy relative to each other for precise measurements such as structures.
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2.Survey Staking Methods:
a.Furnish reference stakes for slope stakes and stakes used
for setting items for work.
b.Furnish the following for projects using Conventional Survey
Methods: 1) Establish and set slope stakes and references on both sides of centerline at cross section locations.
a.Place slope stakes at a maximum centerline
spacing of 25 ft when the centerline curve radius is less than or equal to 500 ft.
b.Place slope stakes at a maximum spacing of
50 ft when the centerline curve radius is greater than 500 ft.
c.Place reference stakes at a maximum
centerline spacing of 100 ft on tangents. 2) Establish slope stakes in the field as the actual point of intersections of the design slope with the natural ground line. 3) Set slope stake references outside the clearing limits. 4) Include reference point and slope stake information on the reference stakes.
3.Furnish the following for projects using Machine Control Guidance
Methods:
a.Establish and set location stakes and references on one side
of centerline at cross section locations. 1) Place cross section stakes at a maximum spacing of 300 ft. (Cross-section stakes reference physical points in the proposed cross-section, such as edge of pavement or top back of curb)
b.Place slope stakes at a maximum spacing of 300 ft.
c.Establish slope stakes in the field at the actual point of
intersections of the design slope with the natural ground line.
d.Set slope stake references outside the clearing limits.
e.Include reference point information on the reference stakes.
f.Provide adequate bench marks throughout the project for
construction equipment equipped with MCG to check setup and tolerances. 1) Perform equipment checks at least once per day. 2) Record equipment checks in a log for verification by the Engineer.
4.Staking limits – Reference/Location stakes can serve the purpose
of the following staking requirements as long as required information for both purposes can be written on the stake.
a.Stake clearing limits on both sides of centerline at each
established station.
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1) Locate the clearing limit on the ground as shown by the cut and fill limits on the plans.
b.Stake right of way limits, or temporary construction
easement (TCE) if one exists, every 500 ft maximum on tangents, every 250 ft maximum on curves where ROW is not delineated by existing fence lines or other obvious boundaries. 1) Stake Right of Way limits at right of way break/angle points along the right of way lines. 2) Reduce the distance if staking distance is affected by line of sight.
c.Stake environmental control limits on both sides of centerline
at each established station. 1) Locate the environmental control limits on the ground as shown by the slope rounding contours and environmental and silt fence locations as shown on the Plans. 2) Stake environmental control limits every 25 ft in environmentally sensitive areas. 3) Provide staking as needed to guarantee the silt fence is located inside of right of way in standard silt fence installations where stations/locations are not called out on the environmental control plan sheets,.
I.Setting grade finishing stakes (Conventional Survey or RTK):
1.Grade elevations and horizontal alignment:
a.On centerline.
b.On each shoulder at roadway cross section locations and
between centerline and shoulder with a maximum spacing of 25 ft.
c.At the top of subgrade and the top of each aggregate
course.
2.Locations:
a.Set stakes on centerline, on each normal shoulder, and on
the shoulder of the turnout where turnouts are constructed.
b.Set hubs at the center and along the edges of parking areas.
c.Set stakes in ditches to be paved.
3.Maximum spacing between stakes along the alignment is 50 ft.
4.Use brushes or guard stakes at each grade finishing stake.
5.Reset grade finishing stakes as many times as necessary to
construct the subgrade and each aggregate course.
J.Grade Verification (Machine Control Guidance)
1.The following procedure will only be applicable for verification of
roadway layers for grade elevations and horizontal alignment.
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a.The Department will use the Contractor provided survey
equipment that is capable of verifying grade to tolerances required.
b.The Department will verify elevations at the following
locations: 1) On centerline. 2) On each shoulder at roadway cross section locations and between centerline and shoulder with a maximum spacing of 25 ft. 3) At the top of subgrade and the top of each aggregate course.
2.Locations:
a.On centerline, on each normal shoulder, and on the shoulder
of the turnout where turnouts are constructed.
b.At the center and along the edges of parking areas.
c.At the top of subgrade and the top of each aggregate
course.
d.In ditches to be paved.
3.The Department will verify and document elevations at a 300 ft
maximum spacing between locations along the alignment.
a.The Department reserves the right to increase the spacing
between grade verification locations up to, but not to exceed, 1000 ft if a level of confidence can be attained by the Engineer.
3.6CONCRETE PAVING
A.Develop a method of horizontal and vertical survey control for the
placement of concrete pavement.
1.Use laser, wire, or string line to maintain horizontal and vertical
control.
2.Maximum spacing, 50 ft
3.Set control on both sides of roadway.
B.3D Paving, Machine Control Guidance, Wireless Paver
1.Stagger survey control on either side of the highway to provide a
good strength of figure.
a.Place control points for MCG according to equipment
manufacturer recommendations.
b.The instrument setup must obtain vertical accuracies within
± 0.02 ft of the existing control.
C.Stake concrete joint and station stamp locations as determined by the
Engineer.
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3.7DRAINAGE STRUCTURES
A.Stake drainage structures in coordination with the Engineer.
1.Survey and record the ground profile along the centerline of the
structure.
2.Determine the slope catch points at inlets and outlets.
3.Set reference points and record information necessary to determine
structure length and end treatments.
4.Stake ditches or grade to make the structure functional.
5.Plot the profile along centerline of the structure to show the natural
ground, the flow line, the roadway section, and the structure.
6.Mark guard stakes with the following, when applicable:
a.Diameter, length, and type of culvert such as 18 inch x 35 ft
corrugated metal pipe (cmp)
b.The vertical and horizontal distance from the hub to the
invert at the end of the culvert or intermediate point as needed or directed
c.Flow line grade of the pipe
d.Station
7.Provide a reference at a maximum spacing of 50 ft for storm
sewers and waterlines. Reference inverts of pipe at manholes.
3.8BRIDGES
A.Based upon the Projects Primary Control points, set at least 4 horizontal
and vertical survey control reference points to be used for surveying bridge substructure and superstructure components including but not limited to pile locations and cutoffs, line and grade for abutments, bents, beam seats, anchor bolts, and screed grades.
B.Set intermediate slope stakes at bridge abutments to establish transitions.
1.Place finish grade stakes on the centerline of abutment bearing and
at the top of slope of bridge berms.
2.Place finish grade stakes on each side at top, mid-point, or slope
and toe of fill.
3.9BOX CULVERTS
A.Set horizontal and vertical control and reference points.
1.Establish and reference the centerline, back of parapet or barrier,
skew, and flow line elevations at inlet, outlet, and breaks.
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3.10CURB AND GUTTER
A.Set curb and gutter staking at 25 ft intervals on tangent and 10 ft intervals
on curve radii.
B.Set line and grade for curb and gutter within 0.02 ft of the proposed or
established grade line.
3.11GUARDRAIL
A.Stake guardrail vertical and horizontal control at a maximum spacing of 25
ft on tangent sections and 10 ft on curves.
B.Obtain the Engineer’s approval and field verification of staking before
installation.
3.12EXISTING SURVEY MONUMENTS
A.Locate and reference private and public land survey monuments that may
be destroyed by project construction activities before disturbing those existing monuments and under the direction of a Professional Land Surveyor licensed in the State of Utah.
B.Complete referencing and reestablishing those existing monuments before
project completion.
C.Reference and reestablish the monuments created by the county
surveyor.
1.Notify the county surveyor at least 30 days before the destruction of
monument.
2.Coordinate the reestablishment of section corner and quarter
corner monuments with the county surveyor.
3.Prepare a corner record to be filed in the office of the County
Surveyor’s Office per Utah State Code 17-23-17.5 unless prepared by the County Surveyor’s Office.
4.Submit a certified supplement to the Survey Control Sheet with
notes to the Engineer showing references to section corners and quarter corners.
D.The Department pays for the additional work as directed survey if a
monument is found during construction and must be reset.
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3.13RETAINING WALLS
A.Set horizontal and vertical control and reference points based upon the
projects primary and secondary control.
1.Establish and reference the centerline offsets for the walls, radius
points, and the beginning and ending wall locations as shown.
B.Stake retaining wall vertical and horizontal control at no more than 25 ft on
tangent sections and 10 ft on curved sections.
3.14PAVEMENT MARKING
A.Layout temporary and permanent pavement markings according to
1.Place references for traffic striping no more than 150 ft apart on
tangents and 50 ft on curves.
3.15CLEANUP
A.Remove and dispose of flagging, lath, stakes, and other staking material
after the project has reached physical completion and the Engineer has approved removal.
3.16UTILITIES
A.Stake control lines as needed in cooperation with the utility companies so
their facilities can be relocated to their proper final position.
B.Stake crossings or potential points of conflict between facilities to give
proper horizontal and vertical control for the relocation.
C.Schedule this survey work with the utility companies to minimize delays
and disruption of survey stakes.
D.Replace disturbed stakes as necessary to facilitate the relocations.
E.The Contractor is responsible for costs incurred to relocate utility more
than once due to inaccurate or incomplete staking.
F.Collect survey grade coordinate data for exposed, relocated, and new
utilities during construction.
1.Collect data in 1 ft intervals unless otherwise directed in the UDOT
Survey & Geomatics Standards manual. Refer to http://www.udot.utah.gov/go/standardsreferences.
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3.17EXISTING MILEPOST SIGNS
A.Locate existing milepost sign stations within the project limits.
1.Contact the Engineer to determine locations where a milepost sign
was placed at a point other than the actual mile point due to prior physical limitations such as driveways, intersections, or bridge parapets, in coordination with Highway Referencing Specialist of the Asset Management Division.
B.Reestablish locations of milepost signs before project completion if
construction activities required removal of existing milepost signs.
1.Reset sign location at original station of existing sign.
a.Exceptions
1) Prior physical limitations listed in this Section, Article 3.17, paragraph A were removed during construction and no longer prevent installation of a sign at the actual mile point. 2) Roadside conditions or newly constructed physical limitations would prevent reestablishment of milepost sign within 3 ft of its original station.
b.Contact the Engineer to determine how to proceed in either
of these special cases in coordination with the Highway Referencing Specialist.
2.Establish an appropriate offset for each milepost sign to meet
installation and clear zone requirements.
C.Contact the Engineer to determine the preferred action for reestablishing
the milepost signs where the alignment of the roadway was modified during construction to the extent that the new measured mile point locations of milepost signs were shifted more than 10 ft from their original location.
END OF SECTION
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Utah revises spec sections through supplementals and new editions. We check this one every week and email you the day it changes. Free, no account.
Source: Utah Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, 2026 Edition. Pages 209–224 of 1,331.
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