Among the basic criteria for assessing the quality of construction work, one can note the correctness in the arrangement of planes and inclinations. Even the quality of materials and methods of fastening do not always guarantee a sufficient margin of reliability and strength of an object if the position of an element or structure was incorrectly calculated initially. To exclude such flaws, experts use levels. Using this tool, the builder can determine the distance, make the correct marking, calculate the correct angle of inclination, etc. To understand what a level is and how to use it, you should familiarize yourself with its structure, operating principle and varieties. Today, this device is a must in the arsenal of not only professional engineers and installers, but often in the households of ordinary citizens who independently perform repair operations or work on the ground.
What is a level?
If you strictly approach the positioning of this tool, it will most likely belong to the field of geodesy. But, since today measuring tasks are in demand in a huge range of different areas, it is advisable to consider in a wider sense the concept of what a level is. The definition can be as follows - this is a device designed to determine differences in heights between several large and small cells on the surface in relation to the conditional level. From a structural point of view, most devices of this type assume the presence of two main elements - a crossbar at a level and a tilt compensator. To adjust the pipe, an elevation screw is also provided in the design. With its help, the specialist aligns the horizontal position of the view. The simplest cylindrical models usually have compact dimensions, which makes them a convenient means of measuring.
The purpose of the level
Although the level plays a paramount role in the work of surveyors, the range of options for its use goes far beyond not only design, but also construction in general. However, for a start it is worth deciding on what a level in construction is? They begin to use it from the initial stage of researching the area under construction of the facility. Next, marking is carried out for the foundation, load-bearing walls, laying of communication systems, etc.
In the hands of ordinary users, the level will help in the process of finishing work, where accuracy is already important from an aesthetic point of view. If we talk about what a level is in other areas, then furniture production and other types of industry will come to the fore, where accurate calculation of assembly of parts and structures is important.
Difference from level
The level and level in the understanding of most ordinary people are identical tools. Moreover, even builders sometimes call the same device with these terms. There is no gross error in this, since, indeed, these tools work on similar principles and solve approximately the same problems. And yet, for a clearer picture of these devices, it is necessary to determine how the level differs?
A level, for example, is a device that is able to work with one fulcrum, rotating around the rest of the circle. In turn, the action of the level extends only to two points, between which the desired horizontal is laid. Again, a strict distinction should not be made in these devices, since both of them can be involved in solving similar problems, but when working on objects of different scale and complexity.
Optical Levels
Such models of levels are equipped with lenses in which the lenses have a large magnification potential, as well as a scale with graduations in degrees. They are often used in measurements of high-altitude differences and inclinations in an open area. It is difficult to give an unequivocal answer to the question of what an optical level is in terms of its structure, since there are several designs of this type. As a rule, two categories are divided - accurate and high-precision. The first includes a technical level, which has a pipe with a direct image. And vice versa, high-precision devices are distinguished by the possibility of providing a reverse "picture", which allows them to give the best measurement results. Regardless of the internal structure, the optical models have a metal casing, reliable protection against mechanical damage, as well as isolation from dust, water and other foreign bodies.
Laser Levels
The operation of such devices is based on the possibility of projecting a beam. Based on the position of the latter, builders quickly and accurately determine the height and make a markup. For a more complete idea of what a laser level is, it should be noted that it differs from optical analogues. The main difference is the lack of a telescope, which simplifies instrument setup. Actually, the ease of working with such models has made them the most popular type of levels among non-specialists. Marking is easily applied to ceilings and walls, with the same accuracy both indoors and outdoors. It is such devices that show the greatest efficiency when working with decoration - for example, in wallpapering, laying tiles and in other operations. Typically, laser devices have two radial directions: vertical and horizontal. There are also devices that project sheer and oblique lines.
Manual and automatic models
This classification is based on the type of alignment of devices - it can be automatic or manual. So, first you need to deal with the question: automatic level - what is it? The photo below shows an example of such a model. This option is also called self-leveling, as it determines the optimal position of the tripod regardless of the characteristics of the surface on which the device is mounted.
Manual models in this sense are less convenient, since the user himself must correct them. To simplify the task, experts recommend acquiring electronic modifications with the presence of compensators. But it is important to consider that the cost of such versions is higher than that of ordinary levels. To work indoors, their technical advantages may be redundant, but on the open ground, it is precisely these levels that are recommended.
Terms of Use
Optical devices cause the greatest difficulties, and even a beginner in construction can cope with laser analogues. Work begins with the setup of the device. It should clearly show the image on which you can distinguish the smallest details. To understand the intricacies of setting up, you need to remember what a level is and how it works. In equipment, it has an optical tube, an eyepiece and adjustment elements - they should direct the device to the working area. The main thing is that the scale that can be seen in the pipe is clearly distinguishable. When the level is correctly installed and clearly tuned, it is necessary to point it to the scale of the working rail. The mark where the lines intersect in the eyepiece and on the rail, in this case, should be fixed by eye and recorded in a journal. Based on this information, a decision can be made as to whether soil leveling is required in a given area.
How to check the tool for accuracy?
Any measuring equipment periodically needs to be checked for errors. This is especially true for levels, since the conditions of their operation are often associated with various mechanical influences. To maintain the accuracy of the instrument readings, it is necessary to have an idea of what is the level calibration for accuracy? This procedure should be carried out on a plot of land with a solid base, which is fenced by walls on opposite sides. First, a tripod is mounted near one of these walls. From here, the first point on the given axis is set. Next, the device unfolds on the second wall and sets the second point with a rotation of 180 degrees. Then the level is rearranged to the second wall and similar measurements are performed - the device aims the beam at the second marked point. As a result, the difference in measurements between the first and third points will be an error. By the way, the permissible deviation parameter is within 3 mm.
Conclusion
The level, as a means of measurement in the design and construction, appeared quite a long time ago and over the entire time of its existence has gone through many structural modernizations. Moreover, in recent years, the most versions of this device have been manufactured, including digital models designed for professional needs. By the way, with the complexity of its design, the construction level becomes more accessible for ordinary users. This is confirmed by an example of a laser device that one layman can handle without outside help. However, the complexity of the technical part and the increase in functionality also determine a wide variety of models. One way or another, starting from the choice of a level follows from the tasks facing it. For example, it is advisable to use the usual level for working indoors when finishing, but if you need to use the device on an uneven area of a large area, it is advisable to choose one of the modern laser versions.