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Grading and Drainage

Graded Landscaped Garden
ARCH X 472.12A

Using graphic conventions and calculations, grading and drainage techniques used in every landscape architecture project are applied to grade a complex site while considering public health, safety, and welfare.

Typically Available
Fall

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What you can learn.

Understand contour signatures ­and the ability to utilize them in grading design through the manipulation of contour lines
Use the three basic grading formulas to calculate grade, length, and vertical difference in elevation
Use the cross slope formula to design plane surfaces to a specific cross slope
Design drainage systems
Understand and apply stormwater management design concepts, including the design of retention and detention basins and erosion control
Use cut and fill calculations using common methods of determining soil volumes

About This Course

This course covers the basic grading and drainage techniques used in every landscape architecture project. Students learn the skills necessary to grade a site of moderate complexity while considering public health, safety, and welfare. Instruction covers contour signatures and contour manipulation by cutting and/or filling and stormwater management techniques including low-impact design, bioretention, and detention and retention areas. Basic grading formulas and cut and fill calculations are presented. The course also introduces landform grading and erosion control together with road and path layout and alignment for pedestrian and vehicular circulation.
Prerequisites
ARCH X 472.4D Design Graphics I: Drafting and Drawing of the Built Environment, ARCH X 471.1B Landscape Design 2: Site Design Basics, ARCH X 493.992 AutoCAD 1 - or equivalent as determined by the program office.

This course applies toward the following programs

certificate Whether you want to design a national park, or a modest, water-efficient backyard, landscape architecture can give you the skills and abilities to change the places you live, work, and play for the better. The profession of landscape architecture is a multidisciplinary field that weaves together design, environmental systems, sustainability, construction knowledge—as well as land and water conservation—to influence place making, and to create designed outdoor living spaces.

Whether you want to design a national park, or a modest, water-efficient backyard, landscape architecture can give you the skills and abilities to change the places you live, work, and play for the better. The profession of landscape architecture is a multidisciplinary field that weaves together design, environmental systems, sustainability, construction knowledge—as well as land and water conservation—to influence place making, and to create designed outdoor living spaces.