The majority of its functions are utilized at job sites, exposing it to different environmental and external elements. In building, survey equipment is used to cover a wide range of applications right from surveys, building supervision, to heavy engineering precision manufacturing applications. Therefore, contractors and building firms should give proper heed to maintain these instruments. Besides, the cost of equipment and devices is considerably high.
Proper maintenance and care of survey instruments should be taken for the following reasons:
Survey machinery must be checked and maintained at different stages of its use. Some maintenance tips have been enlisted below:
Survey machinery comes with manufacturer’s details and product manuals that instruct on maintaining and taking care of it in the right way. Some of the essential points to remember for routine care of instruments are:
Improper storage and transportation- both can damage the survey instrument severely. Tips to follow while storing and transporting the survey machinery are:
For example, during heavy rains, the instrument must be used by using a rain shield over it. This helps to prevent the moisture from entering the mechanical joints of the machine. All survey machinery is designed and modeled for the harsh building conditions.
Tips to follow while storing and transporting the survey equipment are: 1. Improper storage and transportation- both can damage the survey instrument severely. Use of an effective storage case for the instrument. 2. The compartment has to offered within the survey vehicle to keep the equipment and the related instrument supplies separated. This helps to avoid damage and easy sorting of items. 3. Carry heavy instruments in the lower parts of the vehicles, without contact with other instruments or equipment. 4. The entire survey crew must follow good care, organizing, and general housekeeping of the vehicle. Do not mess up the passenger compartment and the equipment compartment together. 5. Most of the instruments’ carrying case takes the shape at which it must be placed and handled. Follow the same position while storing and handling. This is applicable to optical targets, staff, and prisms used. 6. Jolting and excessive vibration of the instruments while transporting can be avoided by providing cushioned compartments. 7. Before removing the instrument, make an idea to remove it and the way it must be placed. It must be positioned back in the case similar to the way it was taken. 8. Do not give pressure on the vertical circle or circular levels or the tubular levels. Always take the equipment out with proper grip in both the hands.
Every survey equipment possesses manufacturer details and product manuals that specify how to care and maintain it appropriately. Some of the key points to remember to have routine care for instrument are: 1. Always inspect the instrument for lumps, dents, or cracks. Check whether the polished and the machine faces of the lenses and mirrors of the instrument are in proper conditions. Check whether the clamps and screws involved have smooth motions and operates without any binding or gritty sound. 2. Always keep the survey instrument in clean and dry conditions as possible. Regular cleaning of the instrument helps to know any issues with the instrument. Dirt and dust present in the instrument for a longer period results in scratches, friction, or stick motions. 3. When the instrument is kept idol for a long period, it is necessary to cover the equipment. 4. Always clean the non-optical parts of the instruments with a soft clean cloth. 5. Use a fine lens brush to clean the surfaces of the lenses. Avoid the use of silicon treated tissue, which lead the lens to get scratch. Do not use water, oil, or benzene to clean the lens. Never attempt to clean the internal surface of any lens of the instrument. 6. Always cover the instrument when it is uncased for a longer period, especially in an environment that is harsh and dusty. An instrument used in a damp environment must be taken care of to avoid condensing moisture inside the instrument. 7. A surveying instrument used in a cold-weather must be left in the case overnight. Always keep the instrument uncased when planning to store in a heated room overnight. An instrument covered with wet or frost must be moved to room temperature and left to dry.
A calibration test at least every two weeks ensures the accuracy of the measurement.The position accuracy must be checked by placing the instrument over a known point in the ground.
Based on which, some maintenance tips are explained below. Survey machinery must be maintained at different conditions of its use. 1. Conduct Routine Care for Survey machinery 2. Perform Smooth and secure transport of Survey machinery 3. Take Precautions Against Job Conditions Perform regular calibration checks and Repair 4.