5 Major Setting Out Challenges on Construction Sites – Site Survey Accuracy
Accurate construction site surveys and engineering setting out are essential—but on-site, reality rarely matches CAD. We often encounter real-world obstacles that disrupt schedules, introduce errors, and risk major rework.
This guide zooms in on five common site engineering surveying challenges during construction setting out, and how you can proactively support a smoother build process.
Real-world surveying conditions: wet weather, tight verges, and live traffic — just another day on site for the AKN Engineering team.
1. Site Access Constraints for Construction Setting Out
A surprising number of delays stem from poor site access planning for setting out surveys. Locked gates, overgrown vegetation, or live traffic zones can block safe and efficient access.
Working around live groundwater, drainage ditches, or hoardings without proper access protocols isn’t just inconvenient—it’s outright hazardous.
Solution: Include setting-out access logistics in the early programme. Align routes with contractors, secure permits, and integrate RAMS into your schedule before mobilising the team. 🔗 Related Service: Topographic Surveys,
2. Uncovered Design Clashes During Setting Out
Setting out often reveals misalignments between design drawings and on-site realities—utility ducts interfering with pipelines, footways crossing manholes, or incorrect level tie-ins.
These design clashes on site lead to expensive rectifications if not caught early.
Solution: Allocate time for clash detection within your programme. Use BIM/CAD tools and involve surveyors before site stripping to model-site conflicts. 🔗 Learn more about Inspection & Test Records for QA🔗 Also, see NBS guidance on design coordination.
3. Missing or Poor Survey Control on Construction Sites
One of the most frequent challenges is inconsistent or missing setting out survey control. Whether it’s undefined benchmarks or disturbed control points, the result is redundant efforts and accuracy disputes.
Without a robust site control network, even small errors can propagate through critical infrastructure work.
Solution: Establish and agree on a control network early. Protect bench marks and use measurable methods like total station calibration and regular checks. 🔗 See our approach to Setting Out.
4. Last-Minute CAD Revisions Disrupting Survey Accuracy
Few things derail a site engineer faster than receiving late CAD file revisions—especially after setting out has started. Without clear update logs, even minor level or plan adjustments require a full re-survey of points.
This destruction of workflow is a common yet avoidable setting out disruption.
Solution: Implement a formal drawing revision control process—version naming, change logs, notifications. Make sure surveyors are notified and given time to act.
5. Compressed Construction Survey Programmes & Time Pressure
Setting-out often seems simple to non-specialists—“just peg the kerbs and go”. But it involves verification, QA data logging, level checks under live conditions, and error rectification.
Rushed schedules often cost more time down the line, negating short-term savings.
Solution: Bring surveyors into programme planning early. Build in lead time for data processing, QA rounds, and contingency days in complex earthworks. 🔗 External Source: ICE on the Importance of Civil Engineering Planning
✅ Final Thoughts: Early Engagement = Fewer Delays
High-quality construction site setting out isn’t just about total stations—it’s about logistical foresight, design coordination, and integrating accuracy into your build phase.
The sooner your surveyor is involved, the fewer build delays, fewer "surprises", and better QA handovers you’ll see.