Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
by the horizontal difference between the top and bottom of the slope
elevations.
b
a
H
Horizontal distance
between points a and b
V
Elevation di
erence
between points b and c
S
Slope of trail
between points a and c
c
Figure 9.8-a
A review of the elements used in the slope
equation: S=V/H
Figure 9.8-B
Diagram of the slope equation where S =
slope (as a percent), V = elevation difference (measured in
feet), H = horizontal distance (also measured in feet)
1
Slope, or S, equals the elevation dif-
ference between two contours or spot
elevations, or V divided by the horizon-
tal distance, or H. The equation S = V / H
is the most useful and most often used
equation for making most of the calcu-
lations necessary for creating grading
plans. It is used not only to make slope
calculations, but also to determine hori-
zontal distance when slope and elevation
difference is known. The equation is also
used to determine the elevation differ-
ence when slope and horizontal difference
are known. See Figure 9.9.
V
H
To determine
slope
between two points
S =
V
S
To determine
horizontal
distance between two points
H =
To determine
elevation
di
erence between
two points
V = S x H
Figure 9.9
How to apply the right triangle equation
1 V, or elevation difference, may be referred to as “rise,” and H, or horizontal distance, may be referred
to as “run,” as in slope = rise / run.
