Determining how badly my barn has settled/heaved

[Skyfair]

I've got a 30 x 25 dirt floor barn that sits on a concrete foundation on 3 sides. Framing is 2 x 6 construction. There are two sets of 8 x 8 posts rising from the front wall and midway back to carry the load across 3 door openings across the front. All 4 posts terminate in the dirt floor. I'm not sure how deep either the posts or the foundation walls go, yet. Looking at the front of the barn, it is obvious from door misalignment that the foundation has either settled or the posts have heaved. The center is higher than the two sides. Not sure about front to back yet. I will either need to jack up the barn walls along the foundation, or drop the center of the barn at the posts. To better understand the task ahead, I want to lay out elevations, at the 4 corners ground level, as well as above in the lofts and along the posts. Thus my question: how do you take accurate elevation readings? I don't own a ziplevel altimeter, or even a laser level. I'm happy to invest modestly in equipment (renting equipment nearby doesn't appear to be much of an option). Would love to hear how experienced "surveyors" would tackle this.

 

[mrmikey]

If you don't want to invest in a laser level, make one with a garden hose and a couple lengths of clear tubing, a water level. Cheap and doesn't need batteries

 

[Skyfair]

Laser levels seem reasonably priced but the altimeters are quite spendy.

 

[WM75Guy]

A self-leveling laser level would be a good investment, if it were my problem. You can use it to diagnose the problem and during repairs to check progress.

 

[paulsharvey]

If you learn to use one, a Lok Level, is a handy tool, that takes up zero room, takes no tripod, just a steady hand and shovel, and a helper on the rod. Not as precise as a laser or real builders level, but the old farts did a lot of rough work with them. The biggest advantage of laser is the single person operation over a builders level.

 

[2manyrocks]

If you don't want to invest in a laser level, make one with a garden hose and a couple lengths of clear tubing, a water level. Cheap and doesn't need batteries
View attachment 799552

And can operate around corners because it does not rely on line of sight

 

[tshep]

If you don't want to invest in a laser level, make one with a garden hose and a couple lengths of clear tubing, a water level. Cheap and doesn't need batteries
View attachment 799552

I tried that once (Instrument Tech, knew it should work) and found it very unreliable over, say 50 feet. Is there a trick? No bubbles, water wetter, etc?

 

[Doorman63]

And can operate around corners because it does not rely on line of sight

Water levels are easy to use.
Getting the water in the little hose is a bit tricky

 

[2manyrocks]

How to build and use a water level from Fine Homebuilding. https://www.finehomebuilding.com/membership/pdf/12541/021085058.pdf

Or check youtube.

 

[MossRoad]

I've got about 100' of clear vinyl tubing I bought about 1990 that I keep on a reel and use as a water level from time to time.

I fill a 5 gallon bucket with water and add some green food coloring to make it easier to see. Then I put one end of the tube in the bucket and put the other end lower, give it a quick suck like a straw and let the siphoning action fill the tube.

A couple clamps like this help a lot.



Last time I used it was 2 years ago building a garage foundation. I got it within 1/4" level all the way around, 24' x 24'. Good enough for me.