Grading and Drainage Flashcards
6 cards from real BLArch Bachelor of Landscape Architecture practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Grading and Drainage flashcards as text
What is the primary purpose of a 'detention basin' in stormwater management?
Answer: Temporarily hold stormwater and release it slowly to reduce peak flow
A detention basin temporarily stores stormwater during a rain event and releases it slowly, reducing downstream peak flow rates.
In grading plans, contour lines that are closer together indicate:
Answer: Steeper slopes
Closely spaced contour lines represent steeper slopes because the same elevation change occurs over a shorter horizontal distance.
What is the ADA-required maximum cross slope for accessible pedestrian paths?
Answer: 2%
ADA standards require that accessible paths have a maximum cross slope of 2% (1:50) to prevent wheelchair instability.
Which of the following stormwater management strategies reduces impervious surface area?
Answer: Pervious pavement
Pervious pavement allows water to infiltrate through the surface, reducing runoff volume and mimicking natural hydrology.
What is the term for the low point in a grading plan where water collects and must be drained?
Answer: Sump or low point
A sump or low point is the lowest elevation on a graded surface; it must have a drain or outlet to prevent ponding.
Which instrument is commonly used in the field to verify grading elevations during construction?
Answer: Transit level or auto level
A transit level or automatic level is used to verify grading elevations during construction by sighting horizontal datum across the site.