1

6th – 10th March, 2013

Pune, Maharashtra,

India

Contour Marker: Locally Made by Farmers to Mark Contours - Farming & Soil-Water Conservation (Maharashtra, Bihar)

A Simple yet Accurate Leveling Instrument for Engineers

Contour Marker: Old Model (M/s Agrovision, Pune) Contour Marker: Improved New Model (VIIT, Pune)

Contour Marker for the Masses – Farmers, Laymen & Engineers

(Leveling Jobs – Farming, Conservation, Infrastructure & Building Construction Projects)

2

CONTOUR MARKER

A Simple yet Accurate Leveling Instrument for Engineers

A Project Report Presented to

The DIPEX-2013 - “SHODH”

Committee and Judges

‘SHODH’ Entry No. 221

by

Second Year (S.E.) Civil Engineering Students

Choudekar Gayatri S.

Biradar Snehal B.

Wani Paresh

Sura Rajdip S.

Tathe Kaushik

Guide: Prof. (Dr.) Hemant B. Dhonde

Department of Civil Engineering

Bansilal Ramnath Agarwal Charitable Trust’s

Vishwakarma Institute of Information Technology

Sr. No. 2/3/4, Kondhwa Bk., Pune, Maharashtra-India 411048

Tel: +91-20-26932300/26932600

Email: prinviit@viit.ac.in www.viit.ac.in

6th

– 10th

March, 2013

6th – 10th March, 2013

Pune, Maharashtra,

India

3

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We would like to thank the following with our heartfelt gratitude;

1) Late Prof. B. K. Dhonde – for his innovative instruments and inspiration

2) Dipex/Srijan Committee – for their consideration and giving us this opportunity

3) VIIT – our college for cultivating our ideas

4) Mr. Jaisingh P. Pawar (Proprietor - “Conserve”, Shrirampur, Maharashtra)

- for donating a new Contour Marker and extra scale-stickers

5) CESA (VIIT) – for financially supporting this project

6) Mr. Sagar Nikam (S.E. Civil, VIIT) – for his help with AutoCad drawings

Project Group (LR):

Sura Rajdip S., Biradar Snehal B., Tathe Kaushik, Choudekar Gayatri S.; Wani Paresh; Prof. (Dr.) H. B. Dhonde

4

ABSTRACT

Invented by Prof. B. K. Dhonde, Contour Marker has been successfully used since 1970’s in

agricultural and soil-water conservation jobs throughout India at grass-root level. We want to

introduce the newly improved Contour Marker to engineers for carrying out accurate, fast and low cost

leveling work. The main advantage of Contour Marker over the traditional leveling instruments is that

it relives the engineer’s job. Even a semi-skilled layman can carry out accurate leveling work using the

Contour Marker. Thus, Contour Marker can relieve an engineer from the leveling work thereby saving

valuable time and money.

Contour Marker is based on the principle of an open U-Tube Manometer i.e. water level in an

open-ended u-tube remains at same level due to equal atmospheric pressure. Similar to a mason’s

level-tube, Contour Marker consists of two graduated staffs about 2 meter tall provided with generally

a 15-30 m long, thick transparent plastic tube filled with water. The staff is provided with a 1.5 m main

scale having least count of 3.33 mm. A micro-slider scale that slides over the staff is newly introduced,

which has reduced the least count of the instrument from 3.33 mm to 1 mm, thus making the new

Contour Marker more accurate.

Principally, when one staff is raised above the other, actually the water remains stationary, but the tube

and staff with scale moves. By observing the difference of water level readings on the staffs, the level

difference between the two staff location can be determined accurately. Unlike the costlier,

cumbersome and skilled-labour intensive conventional leveling instruments, the Contour Marker does

not require any temporary or permanent adjustments. Moreover, it can be used in all weather

(sun/rain/fog) day and night time, unlike the traditional leveling instruments. It is made with

sustainable recyclable material i.e. PVC, which is rugged, durable light-weight and shock-proof (safe).

The basic objective of this project is to introduce the newly improved Contour Marker to engineers for

various applications in leveling work pertaining to construction, irrigation, agriculture and

environmental projects. The study aims at validating the improved Contour Marker for its accuracy by

comparing its performance with the traditional leveling instruments like Dumpy/Auto Level.

5

Various differential levels (i.e. table height, stair-height, building height, sloping grounds etc.) were

measured using the improved Contour Marker and Auto Level. Contour Marker readings were

recorded with and without micro-slider scale. Within the preview of the limited tests carried out, the

preliminary tests results indicate that the improved Contour Marker with micro-slider scale offers little

to about 10 % more accuracy over the old Contour Marker model. The accuracy of Contour Marker is

improved with the introduction of the micro-slider. Additionally, the Contour Marker was observed to

have less error than the Auto Level.

Thus, the newly modified Contour Marker presented in this project is more accurate, easy-to-use,

economical, shock-proof (i.e. safe), eco-friendly and all-weather rugged leveling instrument. We

strongly believe that the improved Contour Marker is a genuinely useful leveling instrument for the

engineers.

6

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .................................................................................................. 3

ABSTRACT ......................................................................................................................... 4

TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................................... 6

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................ 7

1.1 Background and History ................................................................................................ 7

1.2 Introduction to Contour Marker ..................................................................................... 10

1.3 Problem Statement ........................................................................................................ 20

1.4 Project Objectives and Scope ........................................................................................ 20

CHAPTER 2

SPECIFICATIONS AND WORKING OF CONTOUR MARKER ............................... 22

2.1 Specifications of Contour Marker ................................................................................ 22

2.2 Leveling using Contour Marker ................................................................................... 26

2.3 Direct Contouring using Contour Marker .................................................................... 30

CHAPTER 3

EXPERIMENTS USING CONTOUR MARKER ............................................................ 32

3.1 Methodology of Experimental Tests .............................................................................. 32

3.2 Experimental Results .................................................................................................... 33

CHAPTER 4

CONCLUSIONS .................................................................................................................. 40

REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................... 41

APPENDIX-I .......................................................................................................................... 42

(Total Pages – 50)

7

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background and History

Contour Marker (CM), was invented by Late. Prof. B. K. Dhonde1, 2

, an eminent scientist and

agriculture engineer in 1968, in Pune, India. CM is a simple leveling instrument that works

under the principle of an open U-tube manometer i.e. water level in the U-tube remains at equal

level due to same atmospheric pressure.

(a) Open U-Tube Manometer (b) Masons Level

(c) Farm Contour Marker (Inventor – Prof. B. K. Dhonde seen in photo, 1968)

Fig. 1.1 Contour Marker: Principle of Working and Old Model (1968)1

Water Level – Reference Plane for Leveling

Y (mm)

X (mm)

Height of Drum =

(X-Y) (mm)

8

Since, primarily the CM was used to mark direct contours in field, the name was chosen as

‘Contour Marker’. By observing the difference of water level readings on the two staffs, the

level difference between the staff location can be determined accurately upto a least count of 1

mm. (Fig. 1.1).

In the figure, the height of the drum = (Difference between the two staff reading)

= (X – Y) mm

Also, if contour points are to be established using CM, the two staff readings should be equal,

i.e. X = Y Points below the two staves are contour points.

CM was commercially manufactured by Prof. Dhonde’s company, ‘Ajanta Farm Machinery’

from 1968 to 1980. The 1m-model of the Farm Contour Marker was widely used in

Maharashtra, Rajasthan, MP, UP, Karnataka etc. by farmers and forest officers for marking

direct contours on site. Prof. Dhonde was awarded the “G. S. Parkhe Industrial Merit Award”

for CM by the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce Industries & Agriculture, India in 1970. Later,

in 1991-92, a new and refined 1 m and 1.5 m model of CM was introduced by Er. J. B. Dhonde

(Fig. 1.2)3.

Fig. 1.2 New Model of Contour Marker (M/s Agrovision, Pune, 1992-2001)3

9

A sophisticated scale was provided in the new CM having a least count of 2.5 mm (Fig. 1.2).

Materials like wood and aluminum box-section was used for the CM staffs. More robust plastic

tube was also provided. Hence, the new CM was lighter and easy to read than its previous

version. From 1992-2001, M/s Agrovision (Proprietor Er. J. B. Dhonde & H. B. Dhonde)

manufactured and sold the CM in market. The Dhonde-team not only sold the appropriate

technology based CM, but they trained thousands of Government Forest Officers, NGO

personnel, farmers and school kids in the soil and water conservation technique of

“Continuous Contour Trenching (C.C.T.)” (Fig. 1.3). Thus, CM gained tremendous popularity

and is even today manufactured by local laymen and farmers at grass-root level for contour

farming and C.C.T. Since, 1993, CM has been used to mark direct contours in-field for C.C.T.

work on lacks of hectares with magical results throughout the country4, 5, 6

.

Fig. 1.3 Contour Marker: Presently Locally Made and Used at Grass-Root Level by Farmers,

Laymen and Govt. Forest Officers for Soil & Water Conservation (C.C.T.) and

Contour Farming, throughout India4, 5, 6

Currently, CM is manufactured at grass-root level by farmers, laymen, NGO’s, Government

Forest Department, NSS, etc. with complete freedom with respect to the patent rights

(withheld by Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Limited, MKCL, Pune). Numerous

vendors at town and city levels also manufacture CM and sell it in local market. One NGO,

“CONSERVE”, Shrirampur, MH is manufacturing new model of CM. The specific model of

CM provided by Conserve was used in this project. Project students also made a model of

CM by themselves.

Contour Marker: Locally Made by Farmers to Mark Contours - Farming & Soil-Water Conservation (Maharashtra, Bihar etc.)

10

1.2 Introduction to Contour Marker

Civil engineering works often require level measurements – for finding accurate heights,

elevations, reduced levels, invert-levels, slopes, L- and Cross- sections, contours etc.

Traditional instruments used for leveling jobs are spirit-level, mason’s-level, dumpy level,

auto/tilting level, laser level etc. Though, spirit and mason’s level are very accurate, they have

limitations to the extent of work-coverage.

(a) Principle of Dumpy/Auto Level:

(b) Optical Line of Sight – Made Exactly Leveled using Sprit/Bubble Level or Suspended Mirrors

(c) Schematics of - i) Dumpy Level ii) Auto Level

Fig. 1.4 Dumpy and Auto Levels

Horizontal Optical Line of Sight

11

On the other hand, more sophisticated dumpy/auto/laser levels (Fig. 1.4) are costly, require

skilled technician or engineer to operate, are fairly accurate; require setting a horizontal line of

optical sight, and needing temporary and permanent adjustments etc. Since, the traditional

leveling instrument mentioned above work on the principle of “Horizontal Line of Sight”,

routine checking and re-calibration of these optical leveling instruments is must for reliable

measurements.

Contour Marker (CM), is a simple, unique, versatile, economical and user-friendly instrument

which a semi-skilled person or a layman can use for accurate leveling work. Contour Marker is

an appropriate technology based leveling instrument suited for leveling jobs in civil,

agricultural and soil-water conservation work at grass-root level. To operate the costlier

traditional leveling instruments (i.e. Dumpy/Auto Level, Laser Level etc.) a skilled-technician

or an engineer is required. Thus, Contour Marker can relieve an engineer from the leveling

work thereby saving valuable time and money. As discussed earlier, CM works on a very

reliable (fool-proof) yet simple principle of U-tube manometer – i.e. water always finds its

own level, perfect horizontal under atmospheric pressure in the open tube (Fig. 1.1 & 1.5).

Similar to a mason’s level-tube, CM consists of two graduated staffs about 2 meter tall

provided with generally a 15-30 m long, thick transparent plastic tube filled with water (Fig.

1.1 & 1.5). The staff is provided with a 1.5 m main scale having least count of 1 mm, 2.5 mm

or 3.33 mm depending on the type of scale used. Principally, when one staff is raised above

the other, actually the water remains stationary, but the tube and staff with scale moves. By

observing the difference of water level readings on the staffs, the level difference between

the two staff location can be determined accurately (Fig. 1.1 & 1.5). If contour points are to

be marked on-site, the two staff readings need to be exactly same – indicating equi-level

points i.e. contour points.

Unlike the costlier, cumbersome and skilled-labour intensive conventional leveling

instruments, the Contour Marker does not require any temporary or permanent adjustments.

Moreover, it can be used in all weather (sun/rain/fog) day and night time, unlike the

12

traditional leveling instruments. It is made with sustainable recyclable material i.e. PVC,

which is rugged, durable light-weight and shock-proof (safe).

Fig. 1.5 Schematics of Contour Marker: (a) Contour Marker (Present Model in Market)

(b) Staff Scale (c) Laymen Using Contour Marker in Field to Mark Direct Contours

(d) Continuous Contour Trenching (C.C.T) Carried out Using CM (Forest Dept., MH)

STAFF

TUBE

FILLED

WITH

WATER

VALVE

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

13

General Design Aspects of Contour Marker -

Appropriate Technology based simple design suited for grass-root level applications as

well as accurate engineering leveling work

The staff-scale has been improved and made easily readable compared to the 1968 model

A micro-slider scale is newly introduced to take accurate readings of 1 mm least count

Light-weight, durable and sustainable material (PVC) is used instead of

steel/aluminum/wood

Manufacturing and maintenance cost is relatively lower than traditional equipments

It is simple to make. Anybody can make it even at home with consideration to following

points:

(a) Both the ‘zeros’ of the measuring scale on the staffs at bottom should match

accurately

(b) There should be no air bubble in the pipe during operation

(c) Both ends of pipes should be open to air and there should not be any bends in pipe

when in use

(d) Readings should be taken with reference to the lower-meniscus of water in the

tube, with eyes of the operator being leveled with the water-level

Utility of Contour Marker -

a) Civil Engineering: Leveling for infrastructure projects, building construction, irrigation

projects, etc. To check levels of foundation trenches, gradient of drainage lines, levels of

centering for slabs, slope of flooring, invert-levels for formworks, L-Sections, road

gradients, etc.

b) Agriculture: For contour farming, lift irrigation and canal grading, etc.

c) Environmental: For soil and water conservation through direct contouring i.e. Continuous

Contour Trenching (C.C.T.), etc.

More uses of CM are presented in Fig. 1.6 (A, B & C).

14

Fig. 1.6 (A) Utility of Contour Marker

15

Fig. 1.6 (B) Utility of Contour Marker – Old Advertisement of Contour Marker, 1994-95

16

Fig. 1.6 (C) Utility of Contour Marker – Old Advertisement of Contour Marker, 1995-96

17

Tab

le-1

.1. C

om

pari

son

of

Con

tou

r M

ark

er

an

d D

um

py/A

uto

Lev

el

18

Advantages of Contour Marker -

(a) CM has a least count of 1 mm, relatively less than that of Dumpy and Auto Levels (5

mm). Thus, CM has relatively the highest degree of accuracy than the Dumpy and Auto

Levels.

(b) New Contour Marker has greater accuracy (Avg. accuracy = 0.01%, ± 1 mm/100 m)

compared to the older models and traditional leveling instruments such as dumpy level

and laser level (Avg. accuracy = 0.05%, ± 5 mm/100 m).

(c) New Contour Marker has lower least count (1 mm) than older model (2.5 mm and 3.33

mm) and traditional leveling instruments (5 mm).

(d) New Contour Marker can be used by a layman/semi-skilled labour thus relieving an

engineer for other important work.

(e) New Contour Marker is made with sustainable material i.e. PVC. i.e. rugged, light-weight

and shock-proof.

(f) New Contour Marker can be used in all weather (sun/rain/fog) day and night time, unlike

the traditional leveling instruments.

(g) No temporary or permanent adjustments are need, unlike Dumpy/Auto levels. Auto

Levels need to be calibrated at least once a year or when unit has been dropped or hit. It

is also sensitive to vibrations.

(h) New Contour Marker can be manufactured locally and even at home; it is therefore

relatively cheap (Rs. 200 to Rs. 2000), compared to Dumpy (Rs. 8000-Rs. 15,000) and Auto

(Rs. 12,000 to 20,000) Levels.

Comparison of Contour Marker and Dumpy/Auto Level is presented in Table-1.1.

Quality Control and Care in using CM -

(a) Both the ‘zeros’ of the measuring scale on the staffs at bottom should match accurately,

Fig. 1.7

(b) There should be no air bubble in the pipe during operation

(c) Both ends of pipes should be open to air when in use

(d) The pipe should be bend/kink-free when in use

(e) Readings should be taken with reference to the lower-meniscus of water in the tube, with

eyes of the operator being leveled with the water-level, Fig. 1.7

19

Fig. 1.7 Important Design Parameter in Contour Marker

(Both the ‘zeros’ of the measuring scale on the staffs at bottom should match accurately

i.e. Z and Y, should be accurately measured and set while manufacturing CM)

Important Tip

Read Lower Meniscus

27.66

cm

20

1.3 Problem Statement

Presently, the commercially available Contour Marker is having the following disadvantages;

a) There is generally a lack of Quality Control in manufacturing CM currently in the

market. A considerable error was observed in the calibration of CM. The Z distance (Fig.

1.7) at the bottom of both the staff was found to be varying by about 1-3 mm. This

distance (Z) need to be exactly same for both the staves for accurate and reliable

measurement. The project team has eliminated this error in manufacturing of CM.

b) Current and older models of CM had a least count of 3.33 mm (which is an odd figure to

record) and 2.5 mm, respectively. The project team has tried to improve the least count to

1 mm by providing a micro-slider scale, discussed later.

c) Older and current models of CM are fabricated using wooden/light gauge steel/aluminum

staves, which have a relatively large carbon-foot print. The project team has suggested

using rugged recycled/sustainable material i.e. PVC box staves, thereby making the new

improved CM eco-friendly, light-weight and also safe from electrical shock.

1.4 Project Objectives and Scope

The basic objectives of this project were;

(a) To introduce the newly improved Contour Marker to engineers for various applications in

leveling work pertaining to construction, irrigation, agriculture and environmental projects.

(b) The study aims at validating the improved Contour Marker for its accuracy by comparing

its performance with the traditional leveling instruments like Dumpy/Auto Level.

(c) A micro-slider scale that slides over the staff is newly introduced, which has reduced the

least count of the instrument from 3.33 mm (odd figure to record) to 1 mm, thus making

the new Contour Marker more accurate.

(d) Minimize or eliminate the manufacturing error (distance Z, Fig. 1.7) in CM.

(e) The team aims at making the new and improved CM model presented here commercially

viable and is first time modified to suite Civil – construction industry application which

requires greater measuring accuracy close to 1 mm.

21

The scope of this work is limited to few comparative tests of differential leveling using

traditional Auto Level, current model and new-improved model of CM. Extensive tests are

out of the scope for the presented report, but are planned in the future work.

22

CHAPTER 2

SPECIFICATIONS AND WORKING OF CONTOUR MARKER

2.1 Specification of Contour Marker

The general specifications of old and the latest commercially available CM are given in

Table 2.1.

Table 2.1 Specifications of Commercially Available Contour Marker

Item Old Model

(1992-2001)

Current Model

(2012-13)

Improved Model

(Present Study, 2013)

Staff/Scale Height, (m) 1 and 1.5 1.5 1.5

Staff Material Wood, Aluminum

(Heavy Gauge)

Aluminum

(Light Gauge)

PVC, Aluminum,

(Light Gauge)

Weight, w/o water, (Kgs) 6.5 5.0 4.3 [4.8 (w/water)]

Tube Length, (m) 15 and 30 15 and 30 15 and 30

Least Count, (mm) 2.5 3.33 1

Micro-Slider Scale N.A. N.A. Provided

Cost, (Rs.) 100 - 1500 200 - 2500 Aprox. 2,200

Fig. 2.1 shows the new improved model of CM with a micro-slider scale that reads upto 1

mm accuracy. Fig. 2.2 and 2.3 shows the schematics of the improved CM.

The project team fabricated two Improved Contour Markers (ICM), namely (α-β) and (θ-δ)

with micro-slider scale. (α-β) ICM was made using the traditional Aluminum staves while

(θ-δ) ICM was made using two different materials – one staff of PVC and the other of heavy

Aluminum.

23

Fig. 2.1 Improved Contour Marker with Micro-Slider Scale (L.C. = 1 mm), VIIT, (2013)

Contour Marker: Improved New Model (VIIT, Pune)

Micro-Slider Scale (L.C.=1 mm)

24

Fig. 2.2 Schematics of the Improved Contour Marker with Micro-Slider Scale, VIIT, (2013)

25

Fig

. 2.3

Sch

emati

cs o

f th

e Im

pro

ved

Con

tou

r M

ark

er w

ith

Mic

ro-S

lid

er S

cale

, V

IIT

, (2

013)

26

2.2 Leveling Using Contour Marker

The general procedure of carrying out leveling work using the CM is described below.

(A) Setting Up the CM -

Step-1: Unwind the CM staves and open-up the pipe bundle. The next step is to fill water in the CM.

Fig. 2.4 CM Ready to be Used (Water not Filled)

Step-2: To fill water in CM, remove the pipe ends with the cock on both the staves out about 1 m.

Fig. 2.5 Removing Pipe Ends Out to Fill Water

27

Step-3: With both cocks closed, insert one end of the pipe into a bucketful of water. Open the cocks

and suck water out of the other end. Siphon action will fill up the pipe completely with water.

Let all the air in the pipe escape out. Close the cocks. Place the staves of CM together and

notice that the pipe if now full of water and without any air bubbles. See Fig. 2.6.

Fig. 2.6 Filling Water in CM

Step-4: To bring the water in the pipes about half-way of the staves (i.e. at about 80 – 100 cm

readings), so as to take readings; open the two cocks and lift one of the staff up as shown in Fig. 2.7

allowing water to pour out of the lower staff. Bring the staves together. Check the water levels in the

staves to be at the desired level. Place the staves together on a fairly leveled surface (i.e. table,

tiled-floor etc.) and record the readings. The lower meniscus readout is to be taken. If the readings

are exactly the same, it means that the CM is in perfect adjustment or has accurate zero-setting. The

instrument is now ready to use for leveling or contouring work.

Fig. 2.7 Removing Water Partially from CM and Checking the Zero-Setting of CM

28

(B) Fly Leveling Using CM –

To determine the level difference between two point say A and B (Fig. 2.8); Closing out leveling

i.e. A to B and back from B to A. Thus error can be estimated from the closing-out method.

Fig. 2.8 Fly Leveling Using CM

ALPHA

BETA

B

A

“Fly Leveling Using Contour Marker

29

Once the initial setting of CM is done, place any one staff on point A and the other on point B. If the

distance between A and B is less than the available length of the pipe i.e. about 15 m., then the work

can be carried out in one single step. Else, staff readings of multiple intermediate points needs to be

taken. Following precautions are to be taken while using CM;

Both the ‘zeros’ of the measuring scale on the staffs at bottom should match accurately

There should be no air bubble in the pipe during operation

Both ends of pipes should be open to air and there should not be any bends in pipe when in use

Readings should be taken with reference to the lower-meniscus of water in the tube, with eyes of

the operator being leveled with the water-level

Record the two staff readings. Difference between the two readings is the level difference between

the two points A and B (VAB). Example is shown in Fig. 2.8. Use of ‘Rise-&-Fall’ method can be

used to log the leveling observations. Percentage Slope between points A and B can also be

determined. Horizontal distance (HAB) can be measured by admeasuring tape distance between the

water levels of the two staves. Then, % Slope between A and B = [VAB / HAB ] x 100.

Fig. 2.9 Finding the Difference in Levels between Two Points Using CM

Y (mm)

X (mm)

Height of Drum

= (X-Y) (mm)

Height of Drum =

Difference in the Staff Readings =

(X-Y) = (1500 – 600) mm

= 900 mm

30

2.3 Direct Contouring Using Contour Marker

The process starts from top of the hill. Contour marker is the instrument for laying of contour

and marking of contour line at calculated contour integral. One staff member at one point and

another staff member at fullest length which is roughly 12-15 meter should start at the top of

hill. One staff remains stationary while the other staff moves until the staff reading are exactly

the same at both points. These are the contour points. "Whole-to-Part" approach must be used.

In this method, error is minimized or avoided completely and check is obtained. All points are

then marked with a smooth line or by putting a small peg to avoid confusion.

Fig. 2.10 Soil & Water Conservation: (C.C.T.) Marked using C.M.

(Photos Courtesy Forest Dept., Maharashtra)

31

See Fig. 2.10-11 for some examples of direct contouring (C.C.T.) carried out by CM lacks of

hectares of barren land in the various states throughout India.

Fig. 2.11 Soil & Water Conservation: (C.C.T.) Marked using C.M.

(Photos Courtesy Forest Dept., Maharashtra)

32

CHAPTER 3

EXPERIMENTS USING CONTOUR MARKER

3.1 Methodology of Experimental Tests

The project team carried various tests (differential and fly leveling) using the conventional

market model of CM, Improved Contour Marker (ICM) and the Auto Level (AL).

Comparison of the results is discussed in details. The experimental program consisted of the

following (Fig. 3.1):

1) Determination of Table height – Using CM, ICM and AL.

2) Determination of Staircase height - Using CM, ICM and AL.

3) Determination of G+2 Building height - Using CM, ICM and AL.

4) Deferential Leveling between two points on Sloping Ground - Using CM, ICM and AL.

The experiments applied “Rise-&-Fall” method for recording of leveling readings.

Fig. 3.1 Leveling Experiments Using CM, ICM and AL, VIIT

33

3.2 Experimental Results

The results of various leveling experiments using CM, ICM and AL are presented in this

section. Table 3.1 presents the measurement readings of table height found out using CM and

ICM. Measurements are also compared with actual height of table measured using a tape.

Table 3.1 Measurement of Height of Table using Tape, CM, ICM

TITLE: HEIGHT OF TABLE DATE: 25-2-13

TIME: 4:30 PM PLACE: D-001, VIIT

MEASUREMENT BY TAPE = 76 cm

CONTOUR MARKER

NO. STAFF - CM B.S. F.S. DIFFERENCE REMARK TIME ERROR % ERROR

(cm)

1

(A) α - β 91.66 15.66 76 W/O SLIDER

57" 0 0% 1

(B) β - α 90 14 76 W/O SLIDER

1

(A) α - β 91.8 15.6 76.2 WITH SLIDER

1' 7" 0.1 0.13% 1

(B) β - α 90 14 76 WITH SLIDER

2

(A) α - β 91 15 76 W/O SLIDER

45" 0.5 0.66% 2

(B) β - α 89.33 14.33 75 W/O SLIDER

2

(A) α - β 91.3 15.3 76 WITH SLIDER

1' 3" 0.5 0.66% 2

(B) β - α 89.7 14.7 75 WITH SLIDER

AVERAGE WORK TIME: 58"

AVERAGE ERROR W/O SLIDER: 0.25 cm

AVERAGE % ERROR W/O SLIDER: 0.33%

AVERAGE ERROR WITH SLIDER: 0.3 cm

AVERAGE % ERROR WITH SLIDER: 0.4%

NO DIFFERENCE WITH AND WITHOUT SLIDER

34

NO. B.S. I.S. F.S. RISE FALL H.I. Ht. (m) TIME ERROR %ERROR

1 3.115 1.8 1.315 1.8 3'15' 3.2cm 1.81%

2 3.18 1.8 1.38 1.8 1'2" 3.2cm 1.81%

3 3.305 1.8 1.505 1.8 1'51" 3.2cm 1.81%

AVERAGE ERROR = 3.2 cm

AVERAGE % ERROR = 1.81%

AVERAGE TIME = 2'3"

AUTO LEVEL

MEASUREMENT BY TAPE = 176.8 CM

TIME : 4:00 PM PLACE: D- BUILDING TOP STAIR,VIIT

TITLE: HEIGHT OF STAIRCASE DATE : 26-2-13

NO. CHAINAGE B.S. F.S. DIFFERENCE REMARK HEIGHT TIME ERROR % ERROR

1 α - β 127.33 53.66 73.67 W/O SLIDER

β - α 38 143.66 105.66 W/O SLIDER

α - β 141.66 36.66 105 W/O SLIDER

β - α 54.33 128 73.67 W/O SLIDER

2 α - β 127.3 53.8 73.5 WITH SLIDER

β - α 38 143.7 105.7 WITH SLIDER

α - β 141.6 36.1 105.5 WITH SLIDER

β - α 54.5 128 73.5 WITH SLIDER

A TO B B TO A ERROR REMARK

WITH SLIDER 179.2 179 2 MM

W/O SLIDER 179.33 178.67 0.66 MM

3 α - β 128.33 54.33 74 W/O SLIDER

β - α 36 141.66 105.66 W/O SLIDER

α - β 143.33 37.33 106 W/O SLIDER

β - α 53.33 126.66 73.33 W/O SLIDER

4 α - β 128.2 54.3 73.9 WITH SLIDER

β - α 36 141.5 105.5 WITH SLIDER

α - β 143.3 37.7 105.6 WITH SLIDER

β - α 53.3 126.8 73.5 WITH SLIDER

A TO B B TO A ERROR REMARK

WITH SLIDER 179.4 179.1 3 MM

W/O SLIDER 179.66 179.33 0.33 MM EQUAL TO L.C.

2.45 CM 1.39

2.4 CM 1.36

25 % IMPROVEMENT OF CONTOUR MARKER. NO EFFECT OF SLIDER

358.5/2=179.25 1'30" 2.5 CM 1.41

AVERAGE ERROR WITH SLIDER

AVERAGE ERROR W/O SLIDER1'58"

358.2/2=179.1 1'34" 2.3 CM 1.3

358.99/2=179.5 1'17" 2.7 CM 1.52

CONTOUR MARKER

2.2 CM1'33" 1.24358/2=179

Table 3.2 Measurement of Height of Stair using Tape, CM, ICM & AL

35

5 θ - δ 52 125.2 73.2 WITH SLIDER

δ - θ 141.2 36.1 105.1 WITH SLIDER

θ - δ 34.7 140.1 105.4 WITH SLIDER

δ - θ 124.8 52 72.8 WITH SLIDER

6 θ - δ 52 125.33 73.33 W/O SLIDER

δ - θ 141.33 36 105.33 W/O SLIDER

θ - δ 34.66 140 105.34 W/O SLIDER

δ - θ 124.66 52 72.66 W/O SLIDER

A TO B B TO A ERROR REMARK

WITH SLIDER 178.3 178.2 1 MM EQUAL TO L.C.

W/O SLIDER 178.6 177.99 6.7 MM > L.C

7 θ - δ 124.8 52 72.8 WITH SLIDER

δ - θ 34.5 139.9 105.4 WITH SLIDER

θ - δ 140.4 39.4 101 WITH SLIDER

δ - θ 52 125.1 73.1 WITH SLIDER

8 θ - δ 124.66 52 72.66 W/O SLIDER

δ - θ 34.66 140 105.34 W/O SLIDER

θ - δ 140.33 34.66 105.67 W/O SLIDER

δ - θ 52 125 73 W/O SLIDER

A TO B B TO A ERROR REMARK

WITH SLIDER 178.2 174.1 4.1 MM

W/O SLIDER 178 178.67 0.67 MM

1.52 CM 0.86%

1.535 CM 0.87%

0.977 % IMPROVEMENT IN SLIDER THAN WITHOUT SLIDER

356.67/2=178.34 2'29" 1.54 0.871041

AVERAGE ERROR WITH SLIDER 2'29"

AVERAGE ERROR W/O SLIDER

356.8/2=178.4 2'29" 1.6 0.904977

SLIDER IMPROVEMENT IS 85%

356.5/2=178.25 2'29" 1.45 0.820136

356.66/2=178.33 2'29" 1.53 0.865385

TITLE: HEIGHT OF STAIRCASE DATE : 1-3-13

TIME : 4:00 PM PLACE: D- BUILDING TOP STAIR,VIIT

MEASUREMENT BY TAPE = 176.8 CM

Table 3.2 Measurement of Height of Stair using Tape, CM, ICM & AL (continued …)

36

NO. B.S. I.S. F.S. RISE FALL HT. (M) REMARK TIME ERROR %ERROR

1 1.4 0 START POINT

1.37 3.2 1.8 1.8 CP1

1.095 2.885 1.515 3.315 CP2

1.07 2.9 1.805 5.12 CP3

1.04 2.895 1.825 6.945 CP4

1.9 0.86 7.805 END POINT

2 1.41 0 START POINT

1.405 3.205 1.795 1.795 CP1

1.095 2.915 1.51 3.305 CP2

1.095 2.905 1.81 5.115 CP3

1.07 2.925 1.83 6.945 CP4

1.925 0.855 7.8 END POINT

0.67

AVERAGE ERROR = 5 cm

AVERAGE % ERROR = 0.636

AVERAGE TIME = 12'12"

AUTO LEVEL

TITLE: HEIGHT OF BUILDING DATE : 27-2-13

TIME : 4:00 PM PLACE: D- BUILDING,VIIT

MEASUREMENT BY TAPE = 785.25 CM

9'15" 4.75 CM 0.6

15'10" 5.25

NO. CHAINAGE B.S. F.S. DIFFERENCE REMARK HEIGHT ERROR % ERROR REMARK

1 (A TO B) α - β 61.66 63.66 2 W/O SLIDER

β - α 15.66 109.33 93.67 W/O SLIDER

α - β 107.33 19.33 88 W/O SLIDER

β - α 62 63.66 1.66 W/O SLIDER

α - β 109 19.66 89.34 W/O SLIDER

β - α 16.66 106.33 89.67 W/O SLIDER

α - β 116.66 11.66 105 W/O SLIDER

β - α 24.66 100 75.34 W/O SLIDER

α - β 109 18 91 W/O SLIDER

β - α 16 108.33 92.33 W/O SLIDER

α - β 91.66 36.66 55 W/O SLIDER

2 (A TO B) α - β 61.7 63.7 2 WITH SLIDER

β - α 15.8 109.3 93.5 WITH SLIDER

α - β 107.6 19.4 88.2 WITH SLIDER

β - α 62.1 63.6 1.5 WITH SLIDER

α - β 108.9 19.7 89.2 WITH SLIDER

β - α 16.7 106.6 89.9 WITH SLIDER

α - β 116.6 11.7 104.9 WITH SLIDER

β - α 24.8 100 75.2 WITH SLIDER

α - β 108.9 18 90.9 WITH SLIDER

β - α 15.9 108.3 92.4 WITH SLIDER

α - β 91.5 36.9 54.6 WITH SLIDER

3 (B TO A) α - β 36 90.33 54.33 W/O SLIDER

β - α 109.33 17.33 92 W/O SLIDER

α - β 15.66 107 91.34 W/O SLIDER

β - α 100.33 25.66 74.67 W/O SLIDER

α - β 9.66 115.66 106 W/O SLIDER

β - α 108 18.66 89.34 W/O SLIDER

α - β 16.66 107.66 91 W/O SLIDER

β - α 107.66 18.33 89.33 W/O SLIDER

α - β 15 107.66 92.66 W/O SLIDER

β - α 61.66 63.66 2 W/O SLIDER

0.328558

CONTOUR MARKER TIME: 15'50"

782.67 2.58

MEASUREMENT BY TAPE = 785.25 CM

783.01 2.18 0.277619

782.3 2.95 0.375677

TITLE: HEIGHT OF BUILDING DATE : 27-2-13

TIME : 4:00 PM PLACE: D- BUILDING,VIIT

Table 3.3 Measurement of Height of Building using Tape, CM, ICM & AL

37

4 (B TO A) α - β 36 91.4 55.4 WITH SLIDER

β - α 109.4 17.5 91.9 WITH SLIDER

α - β 15.5 106.9 91.4 WITH SLIDER

β - α 100.5 25.5 75 WITH SLIDER

α - β 9.8 115.5 105.7 WITH SLIDER

β - α 107.7 18.7 89 WITH SLIDER

α - β 16.7 107.5 90.8 WITH SLIDER

β - α 107.6 18.7 88.9 WITH SLIDER

α - β 15 107.7 92.7 WITH SLIDER

β - α 62.9 63.8 0.9 WITH SLIDER

5 (A TO B) α - β 61.33 63.33 2 W/O SLIDER

β - α 15.66 108.66 93 W/O SLIDER

α - β 109.33 19.33 90 W/O SLIDER

β - α 17 107 90 W/O SLIDER

α - β 108 19 89 W/O SLIDER

β - α 9.66 115.33 105.67 W/O SLIDER

α - β 101.66 26.66 75 W/O SLIDER

β - α 17 108.33 91.33 W/O SLIDER

α - β 110.33 18.33 92 W/O SLIDER

β - α 35.66 90.33 54.67 W/O SLIDER

6 (A TO B) α - β 61.5 63.8 2.3 WITH SLIDER

β - α 15.6 108.4 92.8 WITH SLIDER

α - β 109.2 19.5 89.7 WITH SLIDER

β - α 17 107.1 90.1 WITH SLIDER

α - β 108 19 89 WITH SLIDER

β - α 9.8 115.2 105.4 WITH SLIDER

α - β 101.6 26.9 74.7 WITH SLIDER

β - α 17 108.6 91.6 WITH SLIDER

α - β 110.4 18.5 91.9 WITH SLIDER

β - α 35.8 90.5 54.7 WITH SLIDER

7 (B TO A) α - β 91.33 37 54.33 W/O SLIDER

β - α 16 107.66 91.66 W/O SLIDER

α - β 108.33 17.66 90.67 W/O SLIDER

β - α 24.33 99.33 75 W/O SLIDER

α - β 115.66 10.33 105.33 W/O SLIDER

β - α 16.66 106.33 89.67 W/O SLIDER

α - β 107.33 18 89.33 W/O SLIDER

β - α 17 107 90 W/O SLIDER

α - β 109.33 16.66 92.67 W/O SLIDER

β - α 63.66 62 1.66 W/O SLIDER

8 (B TO A) α - β 91.2 37 54.2 WITH SLIDER

β - α 16 107.7 91.7 WITH SLIDER

α - β 108.4 17.4 91 WITH SLIDER

β - α 24.1 99.2 75.1 WITH SLIDER

α - β 115.6 10.6 105 WITH SLIDER

β - α 16.8 106.4 89.6 WITH SLIDER

α - β 107.2 18 89.2 WITH SLIDER

β - α 17 106.9 89.9 WITH SLIDER

α - β 109.2 16.7 92.5 WITH SLIDER

β - α 63.8 62 1.8 WITH SLIDER

0.452085781.7 3.55

782.67 2.58 0.328558

780 5.25 0.668577

782.2 3.05 0.388411

780.32 4.93 0.627826

Table 3.3 Measurement of Height of Building using Tape, CM, ICM & AL (contd….)

38

TITLE: ELEVATION BETWEEN TWO POINTS FROM WORKSHOP TO E BUILDING DATE : 3-3-13

NO. B.S. I.S. F.S. RISE FALL R.L. REMARK

1 (A TO B) 1.43 100 BM

2.25 0.13 1.3 101.3 CP 1

0.57 1.68 102.98 END POINT

2 (B TO A) 0.94 100 BM

1.91 0.97 99.03

0.725 2.915 1.015 98.015 CP 1

1.725 1 97.015 END POINT

V = 2.9825 m

H = 111.8 m

%Slope = 100(V/H) = 2.70%

AUTO LEVEL

TIME : 4:00 PM

MEASUREMENT BY TAPE = 785.25 CM

A - B : 2.98 m

B - A : 2.985 mTIME: 21'55"

NO. CHAINAGEHORIZONTAL

DISTANCE(m)B.S. F.S DIFFERENCE

HEIGHT

cmREMARK

1 W - A 7.75 78.2 94 15.8 WITH SLIDER

A - B 11.8 103.3 68.7 34.6 WITH SLIDER

B - C 6.3 73 97.7 24.7 WITH SLIDER

C - D 6.35 96.4 73.6 22.8 WITH SLIDER

D - E 11.15 71 100.7 29.7 WITH SLIDER

E - F 11.65 101.5 68.9 32.6 WITH SLIDER

F - G 10.9 66.7 103.9 37.2 WITH SLIDER

G - H 11.1 105.8 64.1 41.7 WITH SLIDER

H - I 9.8 66.4 103.4 37 WITH SLIDER

I - J 10.9 91.5 77.8 13.7 WITH SLIDER

J - K 7.9 79.5 88.8 9.3 WITH SLIDER

K - L 6.25 81.2 87.1 5.9 WITH SLIDER

2 L - K 6.35 87.2 81.3 5.9 WITH SLIDER

K - J 7.85 88.9 79.2 9.7 WITH SLIDER

J - I 11.1 78 90.8 12.8 WITH SLIDER

I - H 9.9 103.2 65.8 37.4 WITH SLIDER

H - G 11.05 63.8 105 41.2 WITH SLIDER

G - F 10.9 103 65.6 37.4 WITH SLIDER

F - E 11.5 68 100.7 32.7 WITH SLIDER

E - D 11.1 99.1 69.7 29.4 WITH SLIDER

D - C 6.25 72.9 95.2 22.3 WITH SLIDER

C - B 6.3 71.6 97.4 25.8 WITH SLIDER

B - A 11.85 101.7 67 34.7 WITH SLIDER

A - W 7.65 76.4 92.7 16.3 WITH SLIDER

VERTICAL DISTANCE = 305 cm

GRADIENT = 2.73 %

305.6

CONTOUR MARKER BY θ - δ

TIME : 40' 56"

HORIZONTAL DISTANCE = 111.8 m

VERTICAL DISTANCE = 3.056 m

GRADIENT = 2.75%

305 cm

HORIZONTAL DISTANCE = 111.85 m

Table 3.4 Elevation between Two Points using CM, ICM & AL

39

3 W - A 7.75 78.33 93.33 15 W/O SLIDER

A - B 11.8 103.33 68.66 34.67 W/O SLIDER

B - C 6.3 73 97.66 24.66 W/O SLIDER

C - D 6.35 96.33 73.66 22.67 W/O SLIDER

D - E 11.15 71 100.33 29.33 W/O SLIDER

E - F 11.65 101.66 69 32.66 W/O SLIDER

F - G 10.9 66.66 104 37.34 W/O SLIDER

G - H 11.1 106 64 42 W/O SLIDER

H - I 9.8 66.33 103.33 37 W/O SLIDER

I - J 10.9 91.33 77.66 13.67 W/O SLIDER

J - K 7.9 79.33 88.66 9.33 W/O SLIDER

K - L 6.25 81 87 6 W/O SLIDER

4 L - K 6.35 87 81.33 5.67 W/O SLIDER

K - J 7.85 89 79.33 9.67 W/O SLIDER

J - I 11.1 78 90.66 12.66 W/O SLIDER

I - H 9.9 103 65.66 37.34 W/O SLIDER

H - G 11.05 63.66 105 41.34 W/O SLIDER

G - F 10.9 103 65.66 37.34 W/O SLIDER

F - E 11.5 68 100.66 32.66 W/O SLIDER

E - D 11.1 99 69.66 29.34 W/O SLIDER

D - C 6.25 73 95 22 W/O SLIDER

C - B 6.3 71.66 97.33 25.67 W/O SLIDER

B - A 11.85 101.66 67 34.66 W/O SLIDER

A - W 7.65 76.33 92.33 16 W/O SLIDER

GRADIENT = 2.72%

ERROR WITH SLIDER = 305.6 - 305 = 0.6 cm = 6 mm > 1 mm i.e. L.C.

ERROR W/O SLIDER = 304.35 - 304.33 = 0.02 cm = 0.2 mm < 3.33 mm i.e. L.C.

VERTICAL DISTANCE = 304.33

GRADIENT = 2.72 %

304.35

HORIZONTAL DISTANCE = 111.8

VERTICAL DISTANCE = 304.35

304.33

HORIZONTAL DISTANCE = 111.85

Table 3.4 Elevation between Two Points using CM, ICM & AL (contd….)

40

CHAPTER 4

CONCLUSIONS

Following conclusions can be made from this project;

1) Contour Marker is a versatile, accurate and simple leveling instrument for laymen, farmers,

technicians and engineers to carry out reliable, fast (case-dependent) and low cost leveling work.

2) Contour Marker does not require any temporary or permanent adjustments. Moreover, it can be

used in all weather (sun/rain/fog) day and night time, unlike the traditional leveling instruments.

3) The Contour Marker available in market has some “zero-setting” error. This was effectively

rectified in the project. Additionally, use of eco-friendly recyclable PVC material was

demonstrated and recommended for the future manufacturing of Improved Contour Marker.

Since, it is made with PVC; it is rugged, durable light-weight and shock-proof (safe).

4) Within the preview of the limited tests carried out, the preliminary tests results indicate that the

improved Contour Marker with micro-slider scale offers little to about 10 % more accuracy over

the old Contour Marker model. The accuracy of Contour Marker is improved with the introduction

of the micro-slider only upto certain extent. Additionally, the Contour Marker was observed to

have less error than the Auto Level.

5) More rigorous and extensive testing is required to be done to draw meaningful and reliable

conclusions pertaining to the accuracy of Contour Marker, Improved Contour Marker and Auto

Level.

Thus, the newly modified Improved Contour Marker presented in this project is more accurate,

easy-to-use, economical, shock-proof (i.e. safe), eco-friendly and all-weather rugged leveling

instrument. We strongly believe that the improved Contour Marker is a genuinely useful leveling

instrument for the engineers.

Future Work:

1) Improved Micro-Slider Scale (Stainless steel/Aluminum)

2) Electronic Contour Marker with direct digital readout and sound/alarm for contouring.

41

References

1) Dhonde, B. K., “Technical Specifications of Farm Contour Marker,” Indian Patent Application,

Pune, 1969.

2) Dhonde, B. K., “Lift Irrigation – Design Manual” (Book in Maharathi), Sun Publication, Pune,

1999, (ISBN-81-87002-35-2).

3) Dhonde, J. B., Contour Marker and Continuous Contour Trenching (C.C.T.) - Training

Materials and Personal Notes (Published/Unpublished), 1992-1997, Pune.

4) University of Pune, NSS Scheme;

http://www.unipune.ac.in/other_academic_and_service_units/national_service_scheme/nss_webf

iles/WatershedCCT.htm

5) Sadgir, P. A., Patil, G. K., and Takalkar, V. G., “Sustainable Watershed Development by Refilled

Continuous Contour Trenching Technology”, National Seminar on Rainwater Harvesting and

Water Management, Nagpur, Maharashtra, 11-12 November, pp. 331-338, 2006.

(http://portal.unesco.org/geography/es/files/6192/11690988835Accepted_Papers_-_3.pdf/Accept

ed%2BPapers%2B-%2B3.pdf)

6) “The Making of Contour Marker”, Chhattishadhiya, 2011:

http://chhattisgadhiya.wordpress.com/2011/06/28/low-cost-contour-marker/

7) Punmia, B. C. et al., “Surveying”, Vol.-1, 2, Laxmi Publishing Pvt. Ltd., ND., 2005.

General Search Engines used: 1) www.google.com 2) www.wikipedia.com

42

APPENDIX-I

43

1) Competition: SHODH

2) Group: D

3) Section: D1

4) College Name: Vishwakarma Institute of Information Technology, Kondhwa-Bk., Pune-48

5) Names of participants:

S.E. Civil -

Choudekar Gayatri S.

Biradar Snehal B.

Wani Paresh

Sura Rajdip S.

Tathe Kaushik

6) Name of the Guide : Prof. (Dr.) Hemant B. Dhonde

7) Project Title: Contour Marker - A Simple yet Accurate Leveling Instrument for Engineers

8) Working Principle: Contour Marker is based on the principle of an open U-Tube Manometer i.e.

water level in an open-ended u-tube remains at equal level due to same atmospheric pressure. By

observing the difference of water level readings on the staffs, the level difference between the two

staff location can be determined accurately.

9) Abstract: Contour Marker is a versatile, economical and user-friendly instrument which a

semi-skilled person or a layman can use for accurate leveling work. Whereas, to operate

the costlier traditional leveling instruments (i.e. Dumpy/Auto Level, Laser Level etc.) a

skilled-technician or an engineer is required. Thus, Contour Marker can relieve an

engineer from the leveling work thereby saving valuable time and money. A newly added

micro-slider scale provides a least count of 1 mm in new model, for accurate leveling

instead of 3.33 mm in older model. Engineering validation of Contour Marker with

traditional leveling instruments i.e. Dumpy/Auto Level is provided in this study.

10) Applications:

Civil: Leveling for infrastructure projects, building construction, irrigation projects, etc.

Agriculture: For contour farming, lift irrigation and canal grading, etc.

Environmental: For soil and water conservation through direct contouring i.e.

Continuous Contour Trenching (CCT), etc.

Entry ID - SHODH--221 Submission Date: 05/02/2013

44

PROJECT QUESTIONNAIRE

Project title: Contour Marker – A Simple yet Accurate Leveling Instrument for Engineers

Institution Name: Vishwakarma Institute of Information Technology, Kondhwa Bk., Pune 411 048

Institute Code: 039

1. How did you conceive idea of this project?

We conceived this idea from our faculty (Dr. H. B. Dhonde) and from an online article on Watershed

Management (Ref: http://www.unipune.ac.in/other_academic_and_service_units/national_service_scheme/)

2. What is the specific area of application of your project?

The Contour Marker has various applications as listed below:

a) Civil: Leveling for infrastructure projects, building construction, irrigation projects, etc.

b) Agriculture: For contour farming, lift irrigation and canal grading, etc.

c) Environmental: For soil and water conservation through direct contouring i.e.

Continuous Contour Trenching (CCT), etc.

If yes, what is value addition?

Yes, iContour Marker is based on the principle of an “Open U-Tube Manometer” and the invention made by

Prof. B. K. Dhonde in 1967. The value addition or improvements are as follows:

(a) A newly added micro-slider scale provides a least count of 1 mm in new model, for accurate leveling instead of

3.33 mm in older model. The user has a choice of using either 1 or 3.33 mm least count depending on the nature

of the work.

(b) Improved material – PVC staff is used, replacing conventionally used wooden staff for enhanced quality and

durability.

(c) Engineering validation of Contour Marker with traditional leveling instruments i.e. Dumpy/Auto Level is

provided.

4. Is it a solution to industry problem or society need?

Contour Marker is a versatile, economical and user-friendly instrument which a semi-skilled person or a layman

can use for accurate leveling work. Whereas, to operate the costlier traditional leveling instruments (i.e. Dumpy

Level, Laser Level etc.) a skilled-technician or an engineer is required. Thus, Contour Marker can relieve an

engineer from the leveling work thereby saving valuable time and money. Contour Marker can save construction

time and allow appropriate allocation of labour for leveling work. Many NGO’s nationwide have trained

villagers and school kids in using Contour Marker for soil and water conservation work (C.C.T.) thus

establishing the significant social impact of Contour Marker in India at grass-root level.

45

5. On what parameters, you have tested performance of project? e.g. cost/ energy savvy, environmental

aspect, etc.)

Accuracy- Contour Marker has lower least-count (1 mm) and is found to be more accurate than traditional

leveling instruments (i.e. Dumpy Level, Laser Level, and GPS).

Cost- Material cost and working cost of contour marker is less than the traditional leveling equipments.

Energy Savvy– Contour Marker is versatile and easy-to-use leveling instrument that can save construction time

and energy.

Environmental Aspect- Contour marker is used to carry out soil and water conservation (CCT) work on

thousands of hectares of land all over India. It is also used in contour-farming which is a sustainable choice.

Appropriate Technology – Contour Marker is an appropriate technology based leveling instrument suited for

leveling jobs in civil, agricultural and soil-water conservation work at grass-root level.

6. Please comment on commercial viability of the project.

The older model of Contour Marker was commercially sold by M/S Agrovision (Proprietor- Prof. H. B. Dhonde)

from 1993-2000. Several thousand instruments were sold to NGO’s and Forest Department nationwide. The new

model presented here is also commercially viable and is first time modified to suite Civil – construction industry

application. Its future version i.e. the Electronic Contour Marker is believed to have even more commercial

potential in leveling work.

Entry ID - SHODH--221 Submission Date: 05/02/2013 Word Count = 580

46

DIPEX – SHODH – SRIJAN –ISP - 2013

SYNOPSIS OF PROJECT

1. Title (Representing basic Engineering principle or working of the model)

Contour Marker- A Simple yet Accurate Leveling Instruments for Engineers

2. Working principle

It Contour Marker is based on the principle of an open U-Tube Manometer i.e. water level in an open-ended

u-tube remains at equal level due to same atmospheric pressure. Similar to a mason’s level-tube, Contour

Marker consists of two graduated staffs about 2 meter tall provided with a 15 m long, 10 mm dia. thick

transparent tube filled with water. The staff is provided with a 1.5 m main scale having least count of 3.33 mm

and a newly introduced micro-slider scale with least count of 1 mm that slides over the water tube. Principally,

when one staff is raised above the other, actually the water remains stationary, but the tube and staff with scale

moves. By observing the difference of water level readings on the staffs, the level difference between the two

staff location can be determined accurately. A set of contour point is designated on ground when the two staff

readings are exactly same.

3. Application of the model & Advantage over existing versions of the model.

a) Civil: Leveling for infrastructure projects, building construction, irrigation projects, etc. To check levels of

foundation trenches, gradient of drainage lines, levels of centering for slabs, slope of flooring, invert-levels

for formworks, L-Sections, road gradients, etc.

Agriculture: For contour farming, lift irrigation and canal grading, etc.

b) Environmental: For soil and water conservation through direct contouring i.e.

Continuous Contour Trenching (C.C.T.), etc.

Advantages:

has greater accuracy (Avg. accuracy = 0.01%) compared to the older models and traditional leveling

instruments such as dumpy level and laser level (Avg. accuracy = 0.05%).

(a) New Contour Marker has lower least count (1 mm) than older model (2.5 mm and 3.33 mm) and traditional

leveling instruments (5 mm).

(b) It does notNew Contour Marker can be used by a layman/semi-skilled labour thus relieving an engineer for

other important work.

(c) New Contour Marker is made with sustainable material i.e. PVC. i.e. rugged, light-weight and

shock-proof.

(d) New Contour Marker can be used in all weather (sun/rain/fog) day and night time, unlike the traditional

leveling instruments.

4. Important design aspects:

Appropriate Technology based design suited for grass-root level applications as well as accurate engineering

leveling work

The staff-scale has been improved and made easily readable

A micro-slider scale is newly introduced to take accurate readings of 1 mm least count

47

Light-weight, durable and sustainable material (PVC) is used instead of steel/aluminum/wood

Manufacturing and maintenance cost is relatively lower than traditional equipments

It is simple to make. Anybody can make it even at home with consideration to following points:

(e) Both the ‘zeros’ of the measuring scale on the staffs at bottom should match accurately

(f) There should be no air bubble in the pipe during operation

(g) Both ends of pipes should be open to air and there should not be any bends in pipe when in use

5. Justify your entry in SHODH section:

Contour Marker has been successfully used since 1970’s in agricultural and soil-water conservation jobs

throughout India at grass-root level. We want to introduce the newly improved Contour Marker to engineers for

carrying out accurate, fast and low cost leveling work. We have simply added a micro-slider scale that has

reduced the least count of the instrument to 1 mm thus making the new Contour Marker more accurate. The

main advantage of Contour Marker over the traditional leveling instruments is that it relives the engineer’s job.

Even a semi-skilled layman can carry out accurate leveling work using the Contour Marker. Therefore, we feel

that the newly improved Contour Marker is a genuinely useful instrument for the engineers.

Entry ID - SHODH--221 Submission Date: 05/02/2013 Word Count = 598

(Signature of Group Leader)

48

DIPEX – SHODH – SRIJAN –ISP - 2013

ABSTRACT

Title of the Project: Contour Marker – A Simple yet Accurate Leveling Instrument for Engineers

College: Vishwakarma Institute of Information Technology, Kondhwa Bk., Pune 411 048

Institute Code: 039

Section: SHODH

Abstract:

Contour Marker has been successfully used since 1970’s in agricultural and soil-water conservation

jobs throughout India at grass-root level. We want to introduce the newly improved Contour Marker

to engineers for carrying out accurate, fast and low cost leveling work. The main advantage of

Contour Marker over the traditional leveling instruments is that it relives the engineer’s job. Even a

semi-skilled layman can carry out accurate leveling work using the Contour Marker. Therefore, we

feel that the newly improved Contour Marker is a genuinely useful instrument for the engineers.

Contour Marker is based on the principle of an open U-Tube Manometer i.e. water level in an

open-ended u-tube remains at same level due to equal atmospheric pressure. Similar to a mason’s

level-tube, Contour Marker consists of two graduated staffs about 2 meter tall provided with a 15 m

long, 10 mm dia. thick transparent tube filled with water. The staff is provided with a 1.5 m main

scale having least count of 3.33 mm. We have simply added a micro-slider scale that slides over the

water tube which has reduced the least count of the instrument from 3.33 mm to 1 mm, thus making the new

Contour Marker more accurate.

Principally, when one staff is raised above the other, actually the water remains stationary, but the

tube and staff with scale moves. By observing the difference of water level readings on the staffs, the

level difference between the two staff location can be determined accurately. Unlike the costlier,

cumbersome and skilled-labour intensive conventional leveling instruments, the Contour Marker

does not require any temporary or permanent adjustments. Moreover, it can be used in all weather

(sun/rain/fog) day and night time, unlike the traditional leveling instruments. It is made with

sustainable recyclable material i.e. PVC. which is rugged, durable light-weight and shock-proof

(safe).

The basic objective of this project is to introduce the newly improved Contour Marker to engineers

for various applications in leveling work pertaining to construction, irrigation, agriculture and

environmental projects. The study aims at validating the improved Contour Marker for its accuracy

by comparing its performance with traditional leveling instruments like Dumpy/Auto Level.

We strongly believe that the improved Contour Marker is a genuinely useful leveling instrument for

the engineers.

Entry ID - SHODH--221 Submission Date: 05/02/2013 Word Count = 399

(Signature of Group Leader)

49

(a) (c)

Fig. 1: (a) New Improved Contour Marker (b) Staff Scale (c) Laymen using Contour

Marker in field to mark contours

Fig. 2: Soil-Water Conservation Work Continuous Contour Trenching (C.C.T.) carried out

using Contour Marker on Thousands of hectares in India

Entry ID - SHODH--221 Submission Date: 05/02/2013 (Signature of Group Leader)

STAFF

TUBE

FILLED

WITH

WATER

VALVE

(a)

(b)

(c)

50

Fig. 3: Schematics of the Improved Contour Marker with Micro-Slider Scale

Entry ID - SHODH--221 Submission Date: 05/02/2013 (Signature of Group Leader)