Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 2.3
Stern Grove Concert Meadow Amphitheater,
San Francisco, CA. Grading on sloping topography has
provided visually attractive and informal seating for an
outdoor amphitheater.
lAWrenCe hAlprin, lAndsCApe ArChiteCt
Figure 2.4
Private residence, Malinalco, Mexico
MArio sChjetnAn, Grupo de diseño urbAno
avoidinG GradinG proBLemS in the LandScape
Just as an architect must carefully design and detail a roof to avoid leaks,
a grading designer must carefully analyze a site and develop a grading
plan that will not result in slope failure, drainage into a building, or long-
term maintenance problems such as the examples shown in Figures
2.5-A through 2.5-G. Figure 2.5-H demonstrates a properly designed and
functioning parking lot grading solution where surface water is directed
to an area catch basin. The photographic scenes in Figures 2.5-A thru G
represent the equivalent of a leaky roof for the landscape. Such problems
are the result of poor basic grading decisions involving the creation of
slopes that are too steep relative to the soil condition, inappropriate user
traffic, higher user traffic than anticipated, or allowing unwanted water
to collect or flow into areas where it is not desired. The second failure
conditions shown in Figures 2.5-C thru E were the result of inadequate
subsoil preparation such as lack of proper compaction during construc-
tion or inappropriate installation of subbase material, or a combination
of the two. Site-grading design and the selection and application of
materials fall under the scope of work done in site grading. Instructions
