Which statement about guard stakes is correct?

• A. They are always placed on top of the hub stake.
• B. They may be driven at an angle with the top over the hub stake.
• C. They are used to locate boundary corners.
• D. They are used only in floodplain surveys.

Answer: (B)

Guard stakes provide a recoverable reference to protect and locate the line when staking a project. They’re positioned so you can re-establish the line even if the hub stake is disturbed, and the top of the guard stake is aligned with the hub stake. Driving the guard stake at a slight angle with its top over the hub stake helps keep the marker clear and visible on the site while still indicating the exact line location. This approach isn’t about locating boundary corners, nor is it limited to floodplain surveys; guard stakes are a general tool to protect and recover line references during surveying.