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Civil Engineering Machinery, Tools, Materials & Surveying Instruments (Type 2 Practical)

Construction (SSW 2) · 建設分野(2号) · Written by Tokutei Pass based on the official study texts; not copied verbatim.

Surveying Instruments (Level, Total Station, GNSS) and Drawing Symbols

In leveling surveys to find height differences and ground elevations, an auto level with an automatic compensator is mounted on a tripod and leveled by centering the circular bubble.

A Total Station (TS), which simultaneously measures horizontal/vertical angles and slope distances via light waves, and GNSS receivers using satellite signals are used for 3D coordinate control.

On civil engineering drawings, accurately read symbols such as BM (Benchmark), IP (Intersection Point), BC (Beginning of Curve), EC (End of Curve), and slope notations (1:1.5 or 2.0%).

Surveying Instruments (Level, Total Station, GNSS) and Drawing Symbols

Key points


  • Leveling formula: 'Instrument Height IH = Known Elevation + Backsight (BS)', and 'New Point Elevation = IH - Foresight (FS)'.

  • A Total Station measures angles and distances simultaneously, while GNSS surveying observes 3D coordinates in locations with an open sky view.

  • A slope gradient of '1:1.5 (1 wari 5 bu)' represents 1.5 m of horizontal distance per 1 m of vertical height.
WordMeaning
Auto level & Leveling staff
Total Station (TS)
Backsight (BS) & Foresight (FS)
Benchmark (BM)

Selection of Earthwork, Foundation, Paving & Concrete Construction Machinery

Hydraulic excavators (backhoes) are used for digging and loading, while low-ground-pressure swamp bulldozers are selected for dozing and grading on soft marshy ground.

Vibratory rollers and tire rollers are used for embankment and base course compaction, whereas rammers and vibratory plate compactors are used for structure backfilling and narrow trenches.

In paving work, an asphalt finisher spreads the mix, a macadam roller performs initial breakdown rolling, and a pneumatic tire roller performs secondary compaction.

Key points


  • Use a clamshell bucket for vertical shaft excavation and a hydraulic breaker for crushing hard rock or existing concrete.

  • Asphalt paving follows the sequence: 'Spreading -> Breakdown rolling (Macadam) -> Secondary rolling (Tire) -> Finish rolling (Tandem)'.

  • When lifting loads with a crane-equipped excavator, switch to crane mode and operate strictly within the rated load capacity.
WordMeaning
Swamp bulldozer (low ground pressure)
Asphalt finisher (paver)
Macadam roller & Pneumatic tire roller
Clamshell bucket & Hydraulic breaker

Properties & Management of Soil, Aggregates, Cement, Admixtures & Steel

Embankment compaction is performed near the 'optimum moisture content' where dry density is maximized, and field compaction degree is verified via the sand replacement method or RI gauge.

Concrete aggregates are divided into fine aggregate passing a 5 mm sieve (sand) and coarse aggregate retained on a 5 mm sieve (gravel/crushed stone); mix water is adjusted for surface moisture.

Deformed steel bars (SD295, SD345; D16 indicates ~16 mm diameter) with high bond strength are used for rebar, and a lower water-cement ratio (W/C) increases strength and durability.

Key points


  • The moisture content yielding maximum dry density is the 'optimum moisture content'; subgrade bearing capacity is evaluated using the CBR test or plate bearing test.

  • AE water-reducing admixtures entrain microscopic air bubbles (entrained air) to improve workability and freeze-thaw resistance.

  • High-early-strength Portland cement develops high early strength for urgent or cold-weather work, while blast-furnace slag cement offers superior chemical resistance.
WordMeaning
Optimum moisture content & Maximum dry density
Fine aggregate & Coarse aggregate
Water-cement ratio (W/C) & AE water-reducing agent
Deformed steel bar (Grade SD345, nominal diameter D16)

Acceptance Inspection & Quality Testing Apparatus and Maintenance Materials

In fresh concrete acceptance tests, a slump cone measures workability (slump), an air meter measures air content, and a salinity meter checks chloride ion content (<= 0.30 kg/m³).

Compressive strength tests on cylindrical specimens manage hardened concrete strength, while rebound hammers and electromagnetic induction devices perform non-destructive testing.

In asphalt pavement quality control, thermometers check arrival and rolling temperatures, and core cutters extract cylindrical cores after paving to inspect thickness and compaction.

Acceptance Inspection & Quality Testing Apparatus and Maintenance Materials

Key points


  • Chloride ion content in fresh concrete must not exceed 0.30 kg/m³ in principle, and is recorded along with unloading temperature, slump, and air content.

  • Low-pressure epoxy resin injection is used for repairing cracks in existing concrete, while polymer cement mortar is used for patching cross-sectional spalling.

  • A 3 m profilometer or straightedge is used to measure the surface regularity (evenness) of the finished pavement.
WordMeaning
Slump cone & Concrete air meter
Rebound hammer (Test hammer)
Core cutter & Profilometer
Epoxy resin injection material & Non-shrink mortar

Tools, Machines, Materials and Instruments (Civil)

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