Construction Surveys for Merced River Project

Abstract

Design and construction control surveys for the Merced River Development Project, a $45,000,000 multipurpose hydroelectric facility near Merced, Calif. were accomplished by a professional survey firm retained by the consulting engineers. These include: primary project control, checking of aerial mapping, ground controls and initial layout surveys for all construction, checks of survey control in the tunnel, surveys for land acquisition and development of information for the FPC project maps, precise surveys for equipment erection and compilation of as-built data. Electronic measuring devices and precision equipment for setting powerhouse equipment was used. It is concluded that a professional survey organization could maintain higher standards of competence and performance, and allow greater control of the work by the engineer than could be expected from a force hired by the contractor for the one project.