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PrefaceSetting-out procedures for the modern built environment is an entirely revised and updated publication whichincludes modern instrumentation and techniques and describes recommendations for setting-out of building and civilengineering works. These are based on the practical experience of practising engineers and are applicable to mostsmall to medium size construction contracts. On contracts involving high-rise structures or complex undergroundprojects, state-of-the-art engineering design and concepts, unusual materials or robotic plant, the site engineer isencouraged to seek the advice and guidance of qualified and competent professionals.Adoption of these procedures should reduce the incidence of errors, and the costs of putting them right. It is hopedthat acceptance and use of these procedures will result in better communication and understanding betweenarchitects, consulting engineers, resident engineers and clerks of works, contractors’ staff and foremen.As in earlier editions, the epithet ‘site engineer’ is used throughout, but it is intended to apply to all site staff who areconcerned with the process of construction setting-out. The old appellation ‘chainman’ has been updated to‘assistant’. It is assumed that these site staff will have a sound basic knowledge of surveying and are familiar with themore common instrumentation employed on construction sites and that the site engineer responsible for theseactivities is properly qualified and competent in setting-out works.The site engineer is advised to report certain actions, errors and omissions. To whom the engineer should report isnot generally stated because the reporting procedure will vary from site to site. Where the term ‘supervisory authority’is used, this means the architect, engineer or supervising officer or a nominated representative of one of these.Specific recommendations for the desired accuracy of setting-out have been avoided – any references to figures ordimensions are recommendations only or are used for clarity. Site engineers should set-out as accurately to thetolerances appropriate to the work, or specified for the construction, and choose instrumentation and techniquesappropriate to meeting the criteria. If the instrumentation and resources provided to the site engineer are inadequateto meet the specification, then the site engineer must make this clear to the supervising authority in writing togetherwith recommendations.Visual and commonsense checks should always be applied. Although design details are normally not the contractor’sresponsibility, the site engineer is advised to check a number of such details, as best practice dictates, to smooth therunning of the contract, minimise any consequential delay and encourage good relations.The first edition of this publication superseded the CIRIA Manual of setting-out procedures and was based on thesame material re-written with additions and rearranged in a format convenient for reference in the field. The secondedition was updated in parallel with industry practice. This new version has been extensively revised and updated,particularly with the use of electronic instruments and computers.CIRIA C7093