CPI Site Preparation & Layout Planning Flashcards

Before beginning excavation on a job site in the US, which free service must an installer call to locate underground utilities?

Answer: 811 (Call Before You Dig)

Dialing 811 connects you to the national 'Call Before You Dig' service, which notifies all underground utility owners who then mark lines within 2–3 business days before excavation begins.

What is the purpose of a site plan benchmark during a construction layout?

Answer: It establishes a fixed reference elevation for all vertical measurements

A benchmark is a permanent, known-elevation reference point from which all vertical measurements on a site are derived to ensure consistent and accurate grade control.

When establishing building layout lines with batter boards, what is the correct sequence?

Answer: Drive corner stakes, set batter boards outside corners, attach string lines

Corner stakes locate the building corners, batter boards are then set back from corners to allow excavation without disturbing layout, and string lines are strung between boards to re-establish corners as needed.

Which method is used on-site to verify that a layout corner is square (90°)?

Answer: Both A and C

Both the 3-4-5 (or 6-8-10) triangle method and the equal-diagonal check are used together to confirm a true 90° corner during building layout.

What does the term 'finish grade' refer to on a site plan?

Answer: The final planned elevation of the ground surface after grading is complete

Finish grade is the final elevation of the ground surface around a structure after all grading, filling, and landscaping work has been completed according to the site plan.

What minimum slope away from a structure is generally required by residential building codes for positive drainage?

Answer: 2% (1/4 inch per foot) for at least 6 feet

Most residential codes require the grade to slope away from the foundation at a minimum of 2% (about 1/4 inch per foot) for at least 6 feet to direct surface water away from the structure.