Building Lines in Construction

Building lines represent the sides of the building, passing through the center of the foundation posts.

Line No. 1 must be moved during the squaring process.

The original corner (A) is indicated by connecting a cord to string No. 2.

String No. 3 is marked from corner D to be square to string No. 1.

After laying out all four sides, the squareness is checked using the diagonal method.

Line No. 4 is stretched from corner A to corner C.

A plumb bob is used to mark the corresponding point on the batter board.

Nails or a saw kerf are used to mark the points for locating the center of the foundation.

Building Lines

Building lines represent the sides of a building, passing through the center of foundation posts
Final layout is on batter board
Builder must decide which lines to use.

Procedure for Foundation Lines

Step 1: Transfer oriented line to batter boards using plumb bob, marking corresponding point
Step 2: Locate center of foundation on opposite batter boards. Mark these points.
Step 3: Stretch string #1 across marked points on batter boards; fix it and do not move during process.
Step 4: Tie cord on string #1 to indicate original corner (A). Align this cord with corner stake using plumb bob.
Step 5: Measure side along line 1 from corner A. Mark the new corner.
Step 6: Stretch line #2 perpendicular to line #1, through the cord at corner A. Mark this line on batter boards.
Step 7: Measure length of the building side along line 2, starting from corner A. Mark new corner (C).
Step 8: From corner C, mark line #3 perpendicular to line #2.
Step 9: Measure the length of the side along line 3, from corner C. Mark new corner (D).
Step 10: Stretch line #4 across the opposite corner (B), parallel to line #1.
Step 11: Check if the corners from the above lines form a square.
After Steps above: Check if entire building is square using diagonal method if four sides are completely laid out.

This quiz covers the procedures for establishing building lines during the foundation layout process. Participants will learn about the steps involved in using batter boards and plumb bobs to ensure accurate measurements for building foundations.