Road, bridge, tunnel and pipeline projects are linear works, and their documents are organised around this linearity. A chainage value in kilometres is used when a point is referred to, and a station number is given when a cross-section is referred to. Keeping this location system intact in translation is as important as the text itself.
Chainage and station values
Every point in the project is identified by a chainage value measured from the origin, and this value is shared across the documents. The format of the values is not changed, because comparison depends on it. Separator characters are preserved as they are.
The route report
The route report sets out the justification for the chosen alignment and its alternatives, and it is the basis of all later documents. Place names are proper names and are carried over. The numbering of the alternatives is preserved.
The ground investigation report
The investigation report rests on borehole data and defines the bearing capacity of the ground. Geotechnical terms are established in the sector, and no free equivalent is chosen. The terminology list is drawn from the report.
Borehole logs
Each borehole shows the strata on its own depth scale and is most often in graphic form. The labels inside the graphic are translated in a separate list. Depth units are not converted.
Cross-section and longitudinal section drawings
Section drawings show the vertical and horizontal geometry of the road, and their scales differ. The scale information is in the drawing title and is not skipped. Levels are carried over exactly.
Level values
Elevation values are given relative to a reference datum, and the datum is defined in the document. When the reference is left out, the levels cannot be interpreted. The definition text is preserved.
Expropriation files
Expropriation files contain the parcel number, the block number and the owner details. Parcel details are carried over exactly and their format is not changed. Owners' names are personal data and are handled with restricted access.
Appraisal reports
Real property valuation reports are an annex to the expropriation file and contain a method section. The names of valuation methods are translated consistently. Amounts stay in their own fields.
Zoning status documents
The zoning status of the areas the route passes through is shown in separate documents, which contain plan notes. Plan notes are short but binding texts. They are translated without abridgement.
Environmental impact reports
In linear projects the environmental assessment report is extensive and comes with measurement tables. Measurement units and conditions are carried over together. The table structure is preserved.
Cut and fill tables
Volume calculations rest on the cross-sections and are presented as tables. Totals are not recalculated; the values in the document are carried over. A total that does not add up is reported as an observation.
Engineering structures
Structures such as bridges, culverts and tunnels are numbered separately and have their own designs. The numbering is preserved. Each structure is tracked with its own document set.
The traffic study
Traffic count and forecast reports justify the capacity of the project. The count dates and conditions are decisive. The information is carried over in full.
Utility diversion files
The relocation of existing utilities is the subject of a separate file and involves correspondence between organisations. Organisation names are given with their official equivalents. The chain of correspondence is preserved.
Strip maps
The maps prepared along the route are spread over several sheets, and the order of the sheets carries meaning. The order is preserved and the sheet numbers are carried over. A missing sheet is reported.
Coordinate information
Coordinates are given in a specific system, and the name of the system is written in the document. When the system name is left out, the coordinates cannot be interpreted. No conversion is made.
The costliest mistake in this sector
Carrying over a chainage value or a level wrongly points to the wrong spot on site, and the mistake emerges only after it has been put into practice. Because the text looks correct, it may pass without being checked. Location details are verified in a separate list.