Understanding Setting Out
Turning design information into physical site positions.
Engineering drawings define where foundations, structures and associated works are intended to be constructed.
Setting out transfers that information onto the site using survey reference information so that construction teams can identify the required positions, levels and limits of the works.
This creates the practical connection between project information and physical construction.
How Setting Out Works
From approved project information to a position the construction team can use.
Setting out provides the practical link between approved project information and the physical construction site. Survey reference information is used to establish the positions, levels and construction references required for the works.
Review Project Information
Identify the approved drawings, positions, coordinates, levels and other information relevant to the works.
Confirm Survey Control
Confirm the reference information that will be used to relate the project information to the physical site.
Establish the Works on Site
Use the survey reference framework to establish the required foundation, structural or construction positions and levels on site.
Retain References for Construction
Where required, maintain suitable reference information so positions and levels can continue to support construction and later verification.
Simple Example
How is a foundation position established on site?
An approved project drawing identifies where a foundation is intended to be constructed.
Using the relevant survey control and project information, that position can be transferred onto the physical site so the construction team has a clear reference for the works.
Depending on the project, additional reference points, pegs or level information may then be used to support excavation, foundation construction and later survey checks.
The exact setting-out method, references and information used depend on the project requirements, site conditions and agreed scope.
- Approved Project Drawing
- Survey Control / Reference Information
- Foundation Position Established on Site
- Reference Pegs / Level Information Where Required
- Excavation & Foundation Construction
- Construction Verification
Why It Matters
Construction needs clear positions before work begins.
Foundation Position
Establish the required location of foundations and associated construction works.
Excavation Reference
Provide reference information to support excavation positions and limits where required.
Structural Interfaces
Support the positioning of stubs, templates, anchor arrangements and other project-specific interfaces.
Construction Reference
Provide reference information that can remain available for later checks and verification.
What AI Engineering Does
Setting out that remains connected to the project information.
Depending on the agreed project scope, setting out follows a clear sequence from the project information through to references that remain usable on site.
Review Drawings & Survey Information
Review the approved drawings, coordinates, levels and survey information relevant to the works.
Confirm Site Control
Confirm the survey control and reference information that setting out will be based on.
Establish Construction References
Establish reference points or markers that construction teams can work from, where required.
Set Out Foundations & Associated Works
Transfer foundation and associated construction positions onto site from the project information.
Check Positions & Levels
Check set-out positions and levels against the relevant project information before work proceeds.
Maintain References for Later Verification
Keep relevant references available so positions can be checked at later construction stages.
Foundation Construction
Position and level information before excavation and construction progresses.
Before excavation and foundation construction progress, setting out provides the position and level information that site teams work from.
Depending on the project and foundation type, setting out may support some or all of the following:
- Foundation centre or position information
- Reference pegs
- Excavation references
- Foundation corners, where relevant
- Levels and datum information
- Stub, template or anchor interfaces, where relevant to the project
The setting-out information required is defined by the project drawings and agreed scope; not every item applies to every project.
Where It Fits in Construction
Setting out connects survey control with the works being constructed.
- Project Information
- Survey Control
- Construction Setting Out
- Construction Verification
- As-Built Records
Project Outputs
Setting-out information that site teams can work from.
Outputs depend on the agreed project scope and the survey information available for the works.