Proposed change to 8771 of LS Act ?

Oxnard Kurt · Post by **Oxnard Kurt** » Mon Feb 27, 2012 3:21 pm

Section 8771 of the LS Act says among other things " .....They (monuments)shall be reset in the surface of new construction ....."

As a long time Caltrans Surveyor, I think it is smarter to sub monuments at least .3 to .5 feet to avoid being destroyed by a simple grind and overlays that happens every so many years. So what if I have to dig them up once in a while, at least they are there, of record, and I don't have to reset them.

I propose eliminating the words "in the surface of" and replacing with "before".

What do you think ?

E_Page · Post by **E_Page** » Mon Feb 27, 2012 4:41 pm

A monument well satisfies the "surface" requirement.

The purpose of that provision is so that one does not need to tear up the road surface in order to recover a monument. It's a matter of safe road conditions and also of worker safety.

I see no need to modify the provision.

bruce hall · Post by **bruce hall** » Mon Feb 27, 2012 5:23 pm

I don't care for your proposed modifications, OK. As a looooooonnnnnnnnngggggg
time surveyor who has searched for, uncovered, dug up, not found, found (and any combination thereof) a whole sh$tload of survey monuments in the pavement, I want those suckers at the surface or in a well.

I want to be out of the driving area, road median, roadway ASAP. I don't want to hang out digging for something. It's a safety issue more than anything.

And if the monuments are located, tied out, and reset like they are supposed to be, they really won't be destroyed, but perpetuated.

And if you don't want to reset them, I will, for a fee.

Dave Karoly, PLS · Post by **Dave Karoly, PLS** » Mon Feb 27, 2012 5:32 pm

Consider this my official "like" of Bruce's post!

Ian Wilson · Post by **Ian Wilson** » Mon Feb 27, 2012 6:31 pm

Ditto Bruce & Dave!

Jim Frame · Post by **Jim Frame** » Mon Feb 27, 2012 8:30 pm

It's not an either/or situation: Â§8771 specifies that the monument be set in a well ("a suitable monument box placed thereon"), unless witness monuments are used.

I ignore the provision when the corner isn't in AC pavement. For lot and block corners and the like that land on concrete, I use the 1" brass disks that you drive into a plastic sleeve. If you use the application-specific drill bit, they're quick to install, durable, and look pretty nice to boot.

.

Oxnard Kurt · Post by **Oxnard Kurt** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 8:57 am

I was sort of playing devil's advocate when I made this post. We were have a discussion about this subject between three PLS's at my office. I said " OK, what if...."

Although I have been with Caltrans now for nearly 20 years, I have only been liscensed for 9. I know I still have a lot to learn. I appreciate your input !

Thanks, Oxnard Kurt