Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
9
CalCulating Slope and other
grading CalCulationS: toolS
for gaining MaStery in grading
In this chapter you will learn about:
How to employ one simple equation for calculating slope, horizontal distance, and
elevation
•
How to calculate the slope of a paved or landscape surface
•
How to place contours to achieve an intended percent of slope
•
How to determine the elevation of a point or object in the landscape
•
How to create slope using spot elevations
•
This and the following chapters will together take the reader step by step
through the site-grading process. Each chapter has its emphasis for presenting
the tools for preparing site-grading plans and for making necessary calculations.
Grading involves a number of operations; some involve making mathematical
calculations and others drawing lines to create forms or areas for some purpose
such as creating a level area that will accommodate a building or perhaps a ten-
nis court. In other chapters there is discussion on drawing in scale, establishing
a project's location or boundaries, and reading topographic maps. In this chapter
a kit of tools will be presented with examples of how to use the tools. These tools
are the means for a designer to solve landscape-grading problems and create
competent grading solutions. You will not only gain experience at harnessing
your creativity to create credible landscape grading solutions, you will also learn
how and when to apply the various tools. The more you use these tools, the more
your capability at solving site-grading solutions will increase—increase in speed
