Commercial grading in construction can be a complex phase of building. It is important to properly plan and execute site grading. This includes everything from parking lots or small restaurants to high-rise office buildings.
What is site grading?
Before construction can begin, there must be some preparation. This includes land leveling and grading. Grading in construction is the process of shaping land to meet specific needs and has the following goals:
- Give the property the aesthetic you desire
- Ensure proper drainage
- Respect zoning regulations and other requirements
- Set the maximum height and depth for cuts, fills, or swales
Grading in construction: Benefits
Not only is it important for the building, but also for nearby homes and other buildings.
Poor grading in construction could lead to water runoff moving towards the building instead of being directed away. Hydrostatic pressure can cause structural damage if water builds up around or beneath the foundation.
Bad grading could also lead to water or pollutants being directed towards other properties. This can create liability for the owner or builder of the new facility. Erosion can also cause property damage.
To avoid problems due to improper grading, or non-compliance with land grading standards, many planning and zoning jurisdictions require that grading plans be approved before construction can begin.
Different types of grading in construction
What does “grading a lot” mean? There are many types of grading used in construction projects.
- Landscape Grading is required when a landscaping project, whether municipal or commercial, is underway. This may include topsoil removal to install irrigation systems, smoothening areas for planting, or modifying slopes and elevations to improve drainage. Landscape grading can be described as the act of changing land areas to alter water runoff patterns and/or alter property elevations. It is essential to do the job right to ensure drainage and get the best results.
- Architectural Grading – is the process of altering the land contours for a new home or housing development. It involves changing the landscape’s contours to allow drainage to be properly arranged, remove unwanted elevations and prepare foundation areas.
- Grading – This involves lowering or increasing the level of a particular land area. This could be a large area or a small project.
- Final Grade – For specific purposes, such as gravel roads or earthworks projects, grading includes the entire construction’s surface and cover, and not just the base. Finish grading is the final shaping of the area for planting, seeding or sodding. It is used in landscaping projects. Final grading is the finishing touches to the grading project. This step removes large chunks of soil and rocks from the surface to create a smooth finish.
- Rough Grading – This is the process of setting the slope or leveling an area in order to make it suitable for landscaping projects, such as turf development or fixing drainage problems. This could include the addition, removal, or relocation of topsoil. This stage forms the ground to the desired shape and elevations. It also creates the soil composition and establishes the drainage flow.
- Final Grade – To complete the grading and prepare for final landscaping or seeding, it is necessary to finish the surface using a material that encourages growth. To complete the grading process, final grading involves the application of screened topsoil or another similar material to cover the entire area.
How to get approvals for grading projects
Many municipalities and regions require grading plans before construction can start. In addition, inspections are necessary to ensure that the grade of the work is passing.
Grading in construction projects must be inspected before construction or landscaping can begin. This approval means that the elevations and drainage are consistent with the original grading plan.
Planning officials will need to evaluate site grading plans for several reasons.
- Lots size and coverage percentage – Many jurisdictions have minimum coverage requirements for buildings and other structures. This value provides reviewers with an instant reference point to help them determine if the requirement has been met.
- These statistics provide valuable information about how much material is needed to complete the cut and fill job.
- Property lines, easements and utility lines.
Methods and purposes of grading
Engineers with experience understand the impact of land grading techniques on final results. This includes:
- Respecting the client’s expectations and needs
- Make sure you have the right drainage
- Respect all federal, state, local and state requirements
A grading plan can seem overwhelming to anyone who first looks at it. Site grading plans provide a wealth of information about the current site condition and the proposed results. Examiners can then evaluate the plan and approve, deny, or make changes to it.
Contact Greenbar Excavation
Greenbar Excavation has been providing quality excavation services to central Oregon for over ten years. We understand the importance of knowing your project. Greenbar Excavation is a fully licensed, insured, and accredited Excavation company based in Prineville, Oregon. Greenbar Excavation is one of the top Excavation companies in Central Oregon. Don’t look any further, go with the company with your best interest in mind! We offer a multitude of services which include:
- Septic pumping
- Drainage Services
- Landscape prep
- Site grading
- Foundation excavation
- Concrete/ prep finish
- Utility trenching
- Driveways
- Septic tank replacement
- Complete septic system replacement
Call us today with any questions about grading in construction and check out our 5-star reviews!