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Dumpy Level

Introduction
A dumpy level, also known as an automatic level or builder’s level, is a tool used to determine the elevation of landmasses. Though they may appear intimidating or confusing, dumpy levels are relatively simple to use once you understand how to set them up and what types of measurements they provide.

Dumpy levels are also known as builder levels, Y levels, and so on. Willian Gravatt invented it in 1832. The dumpy level’s operation establishes the relationship between two or more points on a horizontal surface using an inbuilt telescope and a bubble level. The primary advantage of using the Dumpy level over other leveling instruments is its greater accuracy. For most Tacheometric methods, a dumpy level is known for high precision values. A dumpy level’s accuracy can be as high as 1:4000 for every 100 meters.

The dumpy level achieves the following surveying goals:

Fig 1: Dumpy Level
Fig 1: Dumpy Level
Courtesy: One Point Survey Equipment

Advantages of a Dumpy Level
Some of the advantages of the dumpy level are –

Fig 2: Dumpy Level on a tripod stand
Fig 2: Dumpy Level on a tripod stand
Courtesy: Concrete Civil

Disadvantages of a Dumpy Level
Some of the disadvantages of dumpy level are –

How to use a dumpy level?
Some of the steps to use a dumpy level are –

Conclusion
Dumpy levels are the easiest instrument to be used for leveling works. Civil engineering relies heavily on surveying as implementing any construction works. It is important to do a detailed survey of the area so that no complications arise later in the construction stage.

References

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Kanwarjot Singh

Kanwarjot Singh is the founder of Civil Engineering Portal, a leading civil engineering website which has been awarded as the best online publication by CIDC. He did his BE civil from Thapar University, Patiala and has been working on this website with his team of Civil Engineers.

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One comment on "Dumpy Level"

Evans Otieno says:

Rich of information

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