Hello, everyone.
This is Enta.
Have you heard of the "Baka-bō"?
Just as the name suggests, it's a "silly stick" lol
In short, it's a stick that even an idiot can use.
A measuring rod is typically used when measuring the same length repeatedly.
It's just a stick with a line drawn on it.
For example, instead of repeatedly measuring 2 meters with a scale (convex ruler), you can easily measure 2 meters using a measuring rod.
You can take measurements one after another without having to think about it.
But when it comes to our slope, if you make even the slightest mistake in how you use the "baka-bō," things can go surprisingly wrong, lol.
That's because, in our case, we install the formwork while measuring the slope.
In the case of a pre-fabricated frame, aligning all the beams may not always be necessary; however, some work crews install them every two or three beams, and in such cases, the spacing becomes inconsistent, so they may use filler beams.
In that case, since the support poles are installed according to the undulations of the slope, errors occur.
The survey pole is generally straight. The slope is uneven.
You can see that the lengths are different for a straight line and a curved line, right?
Furthermore, since the way people measure elevation varies from person to person, in a sense, the “baka-bō” provides more consistency, but it’s not suitable for setting up legal boundaries.
In fact, when the terrain is very uneven, the measured length will be longer, but if you measure it with a "baka-bō," it will come out shorter.
While shorter lengths mean the dimensional tolerance is on the generous side, which is not a problem in some cases, if this becomes the norm across the board, it will lead to material and process waste.
It would be easier to understand if I included some illustrations, but I'll save that for next time lol
Generally speaking, it is recommended to use a scale (convex) for centering legal frames and the like.
I understand that the "Baka-bō" is handy, but please be aware that it isn't a cure-all.
There are a lot of products called "Baka-bō" these days, though.
See you later.
I’ve asked you several times about the basics of slope engineering. Since I wasn’t sure where to contact you or how my message would reach you, please forgive me for reaching out anonymously.
I really enjoy learning from your daily newsletter.
It’s been a year since I switched careers to a different industry. I’ve been inspired by Enta-san’s sincere approach to work, and I’ve learned so much about slope engineering—a field I knew nothing about before—so I’ve been following your posts with great interest.
I am currently enjoying my new job and want to focus on new goals, so I have decided to leave Homen. Please unsubscribe me from the newsletter.
Thank you very much for your prompt and thoughtful reply, even though my message was rather crude.
The newsletter was full of insights that apply to my current job as well; it felt like someone was giving me a gentle nudge—telling me to “pull myself together”—and that was really reassuring.