The skill of estimating relies on the estimator’s ability to accurately calculate lengths, heights, areas, volumes, and weights. In actual practice, however, accuracy may not be enough, especially in fast-phase construction projects. Speed is essential, so the need to know quick calculation techniques is inevitable. Here are some techniques for calculating distances.
Direct Measurement
The most direct way to measure distances like length and height is by the use of measuring instruments like measuring tape, laser, pedometer etc... However, in situations when it is impossible to actually measure the distance, there are alternative methods that can be used.
The most direct way to measure distances like length and height is by the use of measuring instruments like measuring tape, laser, pedometer etc... However, in situations when it is impossible to actually measure the distance, there are alternative methods that can be used.
Triangle Method
Using the Pythagorean Theorem, many hard to measure distances can be calculated. Here are some possible situations where the triangle method can be applied.
Using the Pythagorean Theorem, many hard to measure distances can be calculated. Here are some possible situations where the triangle method can be applied.
Unknown height
H= √(D^2-L^2 )
Unknown length
L= √(D^2-H^2 )
Unknown diagonal distance
D= √(L^2+H^2 )
Pacing
Pacing is an approximate method of calculating surface distances. By knowing your pace factor (meter per pace), you can calculate the approximate distance by multiplying it by the number of steps. Do not use pacing in estimating items that need precision especially those involving expensive materials.
Getting your pace factor
Find a flat road where you can measure at least 20 meters straight. Mark the beginning and the end of 20 meters. Walk straight through the 20-meter line while counting your steps. Remember to walk on a normal pace the way you walk on a daily basis. Record the number of steps that you take to cover the distance. Repeat this step three times. Divide 20m by the number of steps and get the average result of the three trials. The number you will get is your pace factor. If it takes you 26 steps in average to walk the 20 m distance, then your pace factor is 20/26 = 0.769meter per pace.
Using your pace factor
Set eyes on the distance that you want to measure by pacing. Put your ankle at the starting point and start walking at a normal pace and count your steps as you go until the end of the distance you are measuring. Multiply the number of steps you counted by your pace factor. The resulting number is the approximate distance measurement. 100 steps, for example, is 100 x 0.769 = 76.9 meters.
Using GPS
A modern way to do approximate horizontal distance measurement is by the use of GPS or global positioning system. There are a number of apps available that allow users to measure distances using GPS. Examples of such apps are the apps used by runners to track their performance.
Using leveling hose
Leveling hose with water inside is an old yet efficient tool to measure vertical distances or level differences. Just find a flat vertical surface that you can mark on. Match the water level with the level of the higher line or surface that you are measuring and mark on the flat surface the water level at the other end. The height difference can be measured using a measuring tape.
Find a flat road where you can measure at least 20 meters straight. Mark the beginning and the end of 20 meters. Walk straight through the 20-meter line while counting your steps. Remember to walk on a normal pace the way you walk on a daily basis. Record the number of steps that you take to cover the distance. Repeat this step three times. Divide 20m by the number of steps and get the average result of the three trials. The number you will get is your pace factor. If it takes you 26 steps in average to walk the 20 m distance, then your pace factor is 20/26 = 0.769meter per pace.
Using your pace factor
Set eyes on the distance that you want to measure by pacing. Put your ankle at the starting point and start walking at a normal pace and count your steps as you go until the end of the distance you are measuring. Multiply the number of steps you counted by your pace factor. The resulting number is the approximate distance measurement. 100 steps, for example, is 100 x 0.769 = 76.9 meters.
Using GPS
A modern way to do approximate horizontal distance measurement is by the use of GPS or global positioning system. There are a number of apps available that allow users to measure distances using GPS. Examples of such apps are the apps used by runners to track their performance.
Using leveling hose
Leveling hose with water inside is an old yet efficient tool to measure vertical distances or level differences. Just find a flat vertical surface that you can mark on. Match the water level with the level of the higher line or surface that you are measuring and mark on the flat surface the water level at the other end. The height difference can be measured using a measuring tape.
No comments:
Post a Comment