In the setting out of simple curves, which method predominantly relies on the use of a chain or tape to measure lengths along the tangent and the curve without the necessity of establishing intermediate points through angular measurements?

Explanation:

• The Linear Method involves direct distance measurements using a chain or tape along the tangent and curve without requiring angular measurements.

• This method eliminates the need for intermediate angular observations and is practical when a theodolite is unavailable or angular measurements are difficult to take.

Analysis of Other Options:

1. Rankine’s Method of Tangential Angles 

   • This method uses angular measurements from the tangent point and is dependent on theodolite observations.

2. Offset from Chord Method 

   • This method involves offset distances from the chords of the curve, which still requires reference points and angular checks.

3. Angular Method using a Theodolite 

   • This method relies completely on angular measurements, making it unsuitable for a technique that predominantly uses a chain or tape.

Thus, the Linear Method is the correct choice since it is based on distance measurements along tangents and the curve, without requiring angular observations.