Surveying and measurement verification are critical responsibilities of the Authority’s Engineer (AE) or Construction Supervision Consultant (CSC) in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) mode highway projects. These activities ensure accurate execution of works, transparent contractor payments, and accountability for materials, quantities, and work completed, while maintaining compliance with contractual, regulatory, and safety standards throughout the project lifecycle.
7.1 Objective
The primary objectives of surveying and measurement verification are to:
- Ensure proper execution of works as per approved alignments, levels, dimensions, and design standards.
- Facilitate transparent and verifiable contractor payments through accurate quantity measurements.
- Maintain accountability for materials used, quantities executed, and work completed.
- Verify and certify all field surveys and measurements, maintaining comprehensive, auditable records.
- Promote advanced technologies for precision, efficiency, and environmental sustainability in surveying.
- Ensure safety and environmental compliance during surveying activities.
7.2 Applicable Codes, Standards, and Contractual References
The following documents and codes provide the framework for surveying and measurement verification:
IRC and MoRTH References:
- IRC:SP:19-2001: Manual for Survey, Investigation, and Preparation of Road Projects
- IRC:SP:84-2019: Manual of Specifications & Standards for Highway Projects (EPC)
- IRC:SP:113-2018: Guidelines on Preparation of Bill of Quantities
- MoRTH Specifications (5th Revision): Sections 100 to 900 (General, Earthwork, Pavement, Structures, etc.)
- MoRTH Circulars: On digital survey data, electronic Measurement Books (e-MB), and GPS-based monitoring (e.g., 2023 Circulars on Digital Project Management)
- (New) MoRTH Circular on Climate-Resilient Infrastructure (2023): For surveying under adverse weather conditions
EPC Contract Provisions:
- Clause 14.2: Measurement and Payment
- Clause 14.3: Interim Payment Certificate
- Clause 14.7: Withholding Payment for Unverified Quantities
- Clause 19.3: Monthly Statements
- Schedule-H: Payment Schedule and Milestones
- Schedule-D: Design and Performance Standards
Additional References:
- IS:1200 (Parts 1–28, Latest Revision): Methods of Measurement of Building and Civil Engineering Works
- NHAI Guidelines on Digital Surveying (2022): For drone-based and GPS-enabled surveying
- (New) IRC:SP:108-2015: Guidelines on Preparation and Implementation of Environmental Management Plans (for survey-related environmental compliance)
- (New) NHAI Guidelines on Data Archiving (2023): For long-term storage of survey data
7.3 Key Responsibilities of Consultant Team
The AE/CSC undertakes the following responsibilities to ensure accurate surveying and measurement verification:
7.3.1 Pre-Construction Survey Verification
- Verify the contractor’s Joint Verification Survey, conducted with the AE/CSC, covering:
- Horizontal and vertical alignments as per approved drawings.
- Benchmarks, control points, and centerline markings.
- Finalized cross-sections and longitudinal profiles.
- Confirm the accuracy and integrity of survey data collected using GPS/Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), Total Station, and Auto Level equipment.
- Validate survey data against IRC:SP:19-2001 and Schedule-D requirements.
- Use LiDAR or drone-based surveys to cross-check ground data for high-precision alignment.
- (New) Ensure surveys account for environmental constraints (e.g., avoiding ecologically sensitive areas) as per IRC:SP:108-2015.
7.3.2 Construction Layout Verification
- Check and approve the contractor’s layout for:
- Centerline, subgrade widths, camber, and super-elevation.
- Real-time field data for horizontal curves, vertical profiles, and structure locations (e.g., culverts, bridges, RE walls).
- Ensure compliance with approved alignments, cross-sections, and Schedule-D design standards.
- Conduct spot checks using Total Station or GNSS to verify layout accuracy.
- Integrate survey data with Building Information Modeling (BIM) for real-time comparison with design models.
- (New) Verify that layout activities adhere to work zone safety protocols as per IRC:SP:55-2014.
7.3.3 Measurement Verification for Payment
- Conduct joint measurements with the contractor’s team for all executed works, including:
- Earthwork: Excavation, embankment, and subgrade quantities.
- Pavement Layers: Granular Sub-Base (GSB), Wet Mix Macadam (WMM), Dense Bituminous Macadam (DBM), Bituminous Concrete (BC).
- Structures: Foundations, abutments, piers, deck slabs, Reinforced Earth (RE) walls.
- Utilities and Road Furniture: Drainage systems, ducts, signages, crash barriers, and pavement markings.
- Maintain and verify the following records:
- Level Books: For elevation and level data.
- Cross-Section Sheets: For earthwork and pavement quantities.
- Daily Measurement Sheets (DMS): For daily work progress.
- GPS-Tagged Photo Records: For visual evidence of completed works.
- Use software tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D) to generate as-built drawings for each work component.
- Ensure measurements align with IRC:SP:113-2018 and IS:1200 standards for bill of quantities.
- (New) Cross-verify quantities using AI-based tools for drone imagery analysis to ensure accuracy.
7.3.4 Digital Survey Data & Electronic Measurement Books (e-MB)
- Promote the use of digital tools for measurement verification, including:
- Electronic Measurement Books (e-MB) for paperless recording and verification.
- Drone/UAV-Based Photogrammetry for large-scale earthwork and alignment verification.
- Mobile Apps with GPS tagging for real-time data collection.
- Ensure all records are geo-tagged, timestamped, and digitally signed by both the contractor and AE/CSC.
- Upload e-MB data to NHAI’s digital platforms (e.g., Data Lake, Gati Shakti) for transparency and auditability.
- Implement cybersecurity measures, such as encrypted data storage and access controls, to protect digital survey records.
- (New) Archive digital survey data for a minimum of 10 years as per NHAI Guidelines on Data Archiving (2023).
7.3.5 Quality Assurance in Surveying
- Establish a Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) for surveying, specifying:
- Calibration requirements for equipment (e.g., Total Station, GNSS, Auto Level).
- Frequency of independent checks (minimum 10% of survey points).
- Conduct independent verification of survey data to validate contractor submissions.
- Train AE/CSC staff on advanced surveying tools, including LiDAR, drones, and BIM integration.
- (New) Document calibration records and quality checks in a Survey Quality Register for audit purposes.
7.3.6 Training and Capacity Building (New)
- Conduct regular training programs for survey teams on:
- Use of advanced surveying technologies (e.g., GNSS, LiDAR, drones).
- Compliance with IRC:SP:19-2001 and MoRTH Specifications.
- Safety protocols during field surveys, per IRC:SP:55-2014.
- Ensure training is updated with the latest NHAI and MoRTH guidelines.
- Maintain a Training Log to track participation and certification.
7.4 Accuracy & Tolerances
The AE/CSC ensures that all survey and measurement activities adhere to the tolerances specified in MoRTH Specifications (5th Revision) and IRC:SP:84-2019, including:
- Embankment and Subgrade:
- Level: ±25 mm
- Width: ±50 mm
- Thickness: ±10 mm
- Pavement Layers:
- Thickness: ±10 mm
- Width: ±25 mm
- Gradient and Cross-Slope:
- Variation: ±0.1% to ±0.2%
- Structures:
- Alignment: ±5 mm
- Levels: ±10 mm
- Verify contractor compliance with tolerances for each layer or component before approving the next stage of construction.
- Use precision instruments (e.g., Total Station, Auto Level, GNSS) to ensure measurements meet specified tolerances.
- (New) Adjust tolerances for adverse weather conditions (e.g., heavy rain) as per MoRTH Circulars (2023), ensuring safety and accuracy.
7.5 Checklist for Verification
The following checklist outlines key verification parameters and tools for major work components:
| Item | Verification Parameters | Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Earthwork | Depth, width, cross-sections, compaction levels | Auto Level, Total Station, DCP |
| Pavement Layers | Thickness, width, density, rolling quality | Core cutter, tapes, nuclear gauge |
| Structures | Reinforcement quantity, dimensions, levels | Rebar meters, digital cameras, GPS |
| Road Furniture | Placement, size, spacing, reflectivity | Templates, field books, reflectometer |
| Drainage Systems | Slope, alignment, dimensions | Auto Level, GNSS, laser measurer |
7.6 Documentation & Reporting
The AE/CSC maintains comprehensive records to support measurement verification and payment certification:
- Maintain a complete chain of signed measurement sheets, including Level Books, Cross-Section Sheets, and Daily Measurement Sheets (DMS).
- Submit Monthly Measurement Books (MMBs) and update annexures in Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs)as per Clause 14.3.
- Record disputes in measurements, if any, with supporting photo/video evidence and resolution details.
- Prepare As-Built Drawings at project closeout, incorporating all verified measurements and deviations, using AutoCAD or Civil 3D.
- Upload all documentation to NHAI’s digital platforms (e.g., Data Lake, Gati Shakti) for real-time access and audit.
- Maintain a Measurement Dispute Log to track and resolve discrepancies promptly.
- (New) Ensure all records include metadata (e.g., surveyor name, date, location) for traceability and auditability.
7.7 Deviations & Rectifications
The AE/CSC identifies and addresses deviations from approved measurements or tolerances:
- Detect issues such as over-excavation, deficient pavement layers, or non-compliant structural dimensions.
- Recommend corrective actions, including:
- Rework to meet specified tolerances.
- Reductions in payment for non-compliant work as per Clause 14.7.
- Penalties for repeated deviations as per EPC contract provisions.
- Issue Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) to the contractor, specifying rectification timelines.
- Verify rectification through re-measurement and update records accordingly.
- Escalate unresolved deviations to NHAI during Monthly Review Meetings (MRMs) with evidence and recommendations.
- (New) Document all rectifications in a Deviation Resolution Register for transparency.
7.8 Dispute Resolution
The AE/CSC facilitates resolution of measurement-related disputes:
- Conduct joint re-measurements with the contractor to resolve discrepancies.
- Engage third-party surveyors for independent verification in case of unresolved disputes, as per NHAI Guidelines on Dispute Resolution (2022).
- Document all dispute resolution steps in the Measurement Dispute Log and MMBs.
- Ensure transparency by sharing dispute outcomes with NHAI in IPC submissions.
- (New) Use drone-based or LiDAR data as impartial evidence in dispute resolution.
7.9 Advanced Technologies and Innovations
The AE/CSC leverages advanced technologies to enhance surveying and measurement accuracy:
- LiDAR Scanning: For high-precision topographic surveys and as-built documentation.
- Drone-Based Surveys: For large-scale earthwork verification and progress monitoring.
- Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) GNSS: For accurate positioning and alignment checks.
- AI-Based Quantity Estimation: To cross-verify contractor-reported quantities using drone imagery and machine learning.
- BIM Integration: To compare field measurements with design models in real time.
- Ensure all technologies comply with NHAI Guidelines on Digital Surveying (2022).
- (New) Use IoT-enabled sensors for continuous monitoring of critical control points during construction.
7.10 Stakeholder Coordination (New)
The AE/CSC coordinates with stakeholders to support surveying and measurement activities:
- Contractor Coordination: Conduct weekly survey review meetings to align on measurement schedules and resolve issues.
- NHAI Reporting: Present survey and measurement updates during MRMs, highlighting discrepancies and corrective actions.
- Local Authorities: Coordinate with district administration for access to land and resolution of survey-related disputes.
- Utility Agencies: Collaborate with railways, telecom, and irrigation departments to verify utility alignments during surveys.
- Community Engagement: Inform local communities about survey activities to minimize disruptions, especially in populated areas.
7.11 Environmental and Safety Integration (New)
The AE/CSC ensures that surveying activities align with environmental and safety requirements:
- Minimize environmental impact by avoiding sensitive areas (e.g., wetlands, forests) as per IRC:SP:108-2015.
- Ensure survey teams follow work zone safety protocols, including use of PPE and traffic management, per IRC:SP:55-2014.
- Conduct surveys during safe weather conditions to avoid risks to personnel and equipment.
- Document environmental and safety compliance in survey reports.
7.12 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) (New)
The AE/CSC tracks the following KPIs to evaluate surveying and measurement performance:
- Survey Accuracy Rate: Percentage of survey points within specified tolerances.
- Measurement Dispute Rate: Percentage of measurements disputed by the contractor.
- Digital Record Compliance: Percentage of records uploaded to NHAI platforms with complete metadata.
- Non-Conformance Resolution Time: Average time to resolve survey-related NCRs.
- Training Coverage: Percentage of survey staff trained on advanced tools and standards.
- Report KPIs in MPRs and MRMs to assess and improve performance.
7.13 Key Clauses and Documents Summary
| Surveying & Measurement Item | Reference Document / Clause |
|---|---|
| Pre-Construction Survey | IRC:SP:19-2001, Schedule-D |
| Construction Layout Verification | Schedule-D, IRC:SP:84-2019 |
| Measurement for Payment | EPC Cl. 14.2, Cl. 14.3, Schedule-H, IRC:SP:113-2018 |
| Digital Survey & e-MB | MoRTH Circulars (2023), NHAI Guidelines (2022) |
| Accuracy & Tolerances | MoRTH Specifications, IRC:SP:84-2019 |
| Documentation & Reporting | EPC Cl. 19.3, Schedule-M |
| Deviations & Rectifications | EPC Cl. 14.7, MoRTH Supervision Guidelines |
| Dispute Resolution | NHAI Guidelines on Dispute Resolution (2022) |
| Environmental & Safety | IRC:SP:108-2015, IRC:SP:55-2014 |
| Data Archiving | NHAI Guidelines on Data Archiving (2023) |
This section ensures that the AE/CSC effectively manages surveying and measurement verification, maintaining compliance with contractual obligations, technical standards, and regulatory requirements for NHAI/MoRTH highway projects. The handbook provides a comprehensive, error-free guide for accurate surveying, transparent payment certification, and efficient use of digital tools, while integrating environmental, safety, and stakeholder considerations to support project delivery.