Today I will explain how to check verticality of a structure. I will discuss all the key methods to check verticality of a structure.
Basically, there are 10 methods to check verticality of a structure during building construction.
We will learn about these methods to check verticality.
Table of Contents
1. Plumb bob method:
Plumb bob method is the most basic method to check verticality of a structure. Every engineer, foreman and site supervisors must know this method.
The plumb bob is a weight attached to a string that can be used to check if a structure is vertical. Hang the plumb bob next to the structure and see if it hangs straight down. If it does, the structure is vertical. If it leans to one side, the structure needs to be adjusted.
2. Spirit level method:
A spirit level is a tool with a bubble inside that can be used to check if a surface is level or vertical. Hold the spirit level against the structure and see if the bubble is in the center. If it is, the structure is vertical. If not, the structure needs to be adjusted.
This method cannot be used to check the verticality of an RCC column if the concrete pouring has not been done in the column.
3. Water level method:
A water level is a tool that uses water to check if a surface is level or vertical. Place a tube filled with water against the structure and see if the water is level. If it is, the structure is vertical. If not, the structure needs to be adjusted.
4. Laser level method:
A laser level is a tool that projects a straight line of light onto a surface. Place the laser level against the structure and see if the line is straight up and down. If it is, the structure is vertical. If not, the structure needs to be adjusted.
5. Digital inclinometer method:
A digital inclinometer is a tool that can measure the angle of a surface. Place the inclinometer against the structure and see if it reads zero degrees. If it does, the structure is vertical. If not, the structure needs to be adjusted.
6. Plumb line method:
The plumb line is a string with a weight at the end that can be used to check if a structure is vertical. Hang the plumb line next to the structure and see if it lines up with the center of the structure. If it does, the structure is vertical. If not, the structure needs to be adjusted.
7. Sight method:
Use your eyes to look at the structure and see if it looks vertical. If it does, the structure is vertical. If it looks like it is leaning to one side, the structure needs to be adjusted.
8. Bubble level method:
A bubble level is a small level that has a bubble inside it. Place the bubble level against the structure and see if the bubble is in the center. If it is, the structure is vertical. If not, the structure needs to be adjusted.
9. Plumb bob and ruler method:
Hang a plumb bob next to the structure and use a ruler to measure the distance between the plumb bob and the structure at the top and bottom. If the distance is the same, the structure is vertical. If not, the structure needs to be adjusted.
10. Hanging weight method:
Hang a weight from a string and place it against the structure. See if the weight hangs straight down. If it does, the structure is vertical. If not, the structure needs to be adjusted.
Summing Up
These are ways to check the verticality of a structure. The plumb bob method is the most common method used to check the verticality of various structural members such as beams, columns and shear walls.
FAQ
Plumb Bob method.