Civil Grading Plans
Civil Grading plans may seem complicated at first glance, but it is actually simple to understand. When grading a site, the finish grade should match the direction, slope and elevation for appropriate contour interpretation.
Civil Grading Plans
As you can see in your grading plan, the dotted lines indicate the elevation above sea level, which approximately tells you how much cut or fill is needed. Knowing this would be useful in developing an excavation plan as well as helps you plan the budget.
A grading plan that shows cuts and fills in different colors, makes it easier to anticipate problems and indicates the total earthwork, which makes it possible to get maximum productivity from the equipment, because it helps work out the excavation procedures.
The grading plan will show and specify the new shape of the entire ground, which are the contours of the new ground surface. The contour drawing makes it possible to control the landform as a whole.
The grading plan is most delicate and significant, because it features the area that should be left undisturbed or any features to be retained, such as the trees, existing roads or outcrops.
The new ground surface makes the transition easier to any predetermined new surfaces, such as the roads or the spaces close by new buildings. Inspired landscape designs have one key ingredient – inspired grading design!
Do it right the first time. A preliminary grading plan is first prepared before developing one or more exploratory grading plans, which is an important process in arriving at a grading solution. The contour model is part of the presentation of the schematic design to the client.
The grading plan helps the designer evaluate its aesthetic merits and get a better idea of how the landforms created might look in the landscape. Following the acceptance of the grading plans is the work on the design development phase.
Benefits
– property damage, flooding, standing water and erosion of embankment areas
-Gives a better view of the existing topography and its relationship with the adjacent properties
-Coordinates all private and public utility locations
-Accommodates offsite drainage
-Complies with state specifications
– Approval of fill material before beginning artwork
Grading configures the surface of the land and shapes the land to best suit the project through the removal of addition of earthen material. A good grading plan design integrates the natural landforms of the site and creates an aesthetically pleasing, yet functional and cost effective site plan.
Grading reforms the land surface and defines the character and aesthetics of the site so it would be compatible with the intended land use. It establishes and controls the new drainage patterns and conforms with the financial constraints and budget.
It is a major component in establishing the function and ensuring the success of the land development. A more specific grading plan gives a breakdown of the grading strategies, tools and requirements.
Understanding Slopes
An understanding of slope and site grading is an important skill for any Civil Engineer. The primary goal is to make sure that the stormwater flows off the site in a safe efficient manner. The engineer must be skilled in drainage designs because grading goes hand in hand with drainage.
As much as possible, standing water must be avoided and the slope of the main access drive must be kept flat if possible. Steeper slopes may give people inconvenience in parking and that goes too with opening parked car doors.
This is one reason why a cut-fill analysis or earthwork calculation is of extreme importance. To minimize import or export of soil, a cut-fill analysis is required to, as much as possible, follow and maintain the existing topography.
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls are another important aspect of a grading plan. As the developers continue to develop challenging sites, the need to create small retaining walls with little or no geotechnical analysis can be done by the Civil Engineer. However, retaining walls over 4 ft in height already needs the consultation of a structural engineer.
In addition, islands and peninsulas are also considered as grading problem areas, because they may need an extra attention to detail. If one is not careful, it might put the entire development in a grading dilemma.
Contact using our contact page and by calling us at 435.623.897 Located In Central Utah, we can assist with all projects.
