1. The instrumentman determines the center-line cut by subtracting 350.7 ft from 364.0 ft to get the cut, or 13.3 ft.

2. The rodman holds at the center line for a check. The rod should-read 369.3 (the HI) minus 364.0, or 5.3 ft.

3. The instrumentman calls to the rodman, "Cut 13.3 feet."

4. The rodman computes d= 20+(1 x 13.3) = 33.3 as he walks to the left.

5. As he approaches about 30.0 ft from the center line, he estimates that the ground has a fall of 4 ft. Therefore, he computes the new cut as

6. The rodman sets up the rod 29.3 ft from the center line, as measured by metallic tape.

7. The instrumentman reads 10.1 on the rod and computes the new cut as

NOTE: Here you can also use the grade rod and ground rod values as explained earlier; the new cut then will be

8. The instrumentman calls, "Cut 8.5," to the rodman.

He knows, therefore, that 29.3 ft from the center line is too far out.

10. Figuring that the ground rises about 0.1 ft between 29.3 left and 28.5 left, the rodman calculates that the more nearly correct cut will be

11. By using this cut, the rodman calculates the new d as

12. The instrumentman reads and computes the new cut as

369.3 (350.7 + 10.0) = 10.0 on the rod

13. The instrumentman calls, "Cut 8.6," to the rodman.

14. The rodman sees that the actual cut of 8.6 ft agrees with his estimated cut of the same, and calls, "Cut 8.6 at 28.6," to the instrumentman.

15. The instrumentman checks d = 20 + (1 x 8.6) = 28.6, signals the rodman, "Good," and makes the following entry into the field book:

16. The rodman marks a stake with 15 + 00 and C8⁶ and drives it in the ground at 28.6 ft left.

More often, slope stakes may be set by using a hand level. Their distances out are generally measured to the nearest half or tenth of a foot. If a slope stake is placed in an offset position, the offset distance is also marked on the stake so the equipment operator is not confused about its actual location. Slope stakes are seldom used in areas requiring less than 2 ft of cut or fill.

For a thoroughfare that will have a curb and gutter, these items are usually constructed before the finish grading is done. The curb constructors obtain their line and grade from offset hubs like those described previously. Guided by these, the earthmovers make the excavation for the curb, the formsetters set the forms, and the concrete crew members pour, finish, and cure the curb. Once the curb has been constructed, shaping the subgrade to correct subgrade elevation and laying the pavement to correct finished grade is simply a matter of measuring down the correct distance from a cord stretched from the top of one curb to the top of the curb opposite.