Types of Survey Pegs And Their Purpose

In construction, the most important pillar of any property is the survey pegs. They are durable markers made of steel or hardwood, driven into the ground by surveyors. They define the property boundaries and the construction corner. These are evidence of land ownership limits and help the contractors to understand the proper mapping of the property.

Because survey pegs are protected, it is illegal to destroy them, and there is a heavy fine. There are various materials used in making survey pegs, and each type serves a different purpose. 

Boundary Pegs

Boundary pegs are the standard survey pegs, which are stakes made of wood or metal used in land surveying to mark the boundary and corners of the land. It ensures the authority legally. They are 50=70mm square and 300-400mm long. Its top is tinted for clear identification and visibility. 

Dumpy Pegs

While boundary pegs define the boundary, dummy pegs mark the height and elevation level, and are made of wood. It shows the building’s permanent height. It guides the constructor in carrying out several construction tasks; for example, it helps them maintain consistent levels for shuttering, excavation, and foundation. 

The size of dummy pegs is usually smaller than common boundary pegs but thicker. Their upper part is flat and made of hardwood, so it doesn’t break when a hammer is used on it. 

Indicator Survey Pegs

Indicator pegs are usually the taller, thinner ones, and their main purpose is to mark and protect dumpy and boundary pegs. 

Boundaries and ditches are usually hammered hard, and they disappear in the grass and land. Indicator pegs are placed beside them so they are visible from afar. These pegs keep the truck drivers and excavators aware of the presence, so they don’t accidentally destroy survey markers. 

They are usually tall, up to 1200 mm, so that they can be visible in long grass areas too. The upper part usually has bright colours like orange or yellow. They are made with lightwood or fibreglass, as their purpose is only to show the presence of dumpy and boundary pegs.

Concrete Formwork Pegs

 When fresh concrete is placed, it exerts high pressure that can disturb the placement of shuttering and boards. These pegs keep the boards in place and prevent displacement, so the shape of the driveaway or foundation remains perfect after the concrete is added. 

They are made with heavy-duty round steel or with hardwood timber. Steel ones are more appropriate as they have built-in holes to lock the nails to the shuttering board.  

Concrete Survey Monuments

In surveying, when a boundary or reference point needs to be fixed at a specific location, a concrete monument is used instead of iron rods. These pegs can stay permanent, and rain or soil cannot destroy or hide them. They are mainly used in high commercial real estate projects or at plot boundaries. 

These are 2 to 3 feet long and made with precast concrete. It has a brass aluminium top with survey numbers, coordinates, or elevation marked.