Standard

Updated: 02/2005

EHO 144 – Landscape Grading and Drainage

Course Description

Allows students to become familiar with basic site grading procedures that promote proper site drainage. This course emphasizes a hands-on approach to grading using hand and machine-driven equipment. Topics include: overview of grading and drainage, topographic map reading and evaluation, basic surveying procedures and equipment usage, site analysis and drainage design and installation, grading equipment operation and safety and grading landscape areas.

Competency Areas	Hours
Introduction to Grading and Drainage	Class	3
Using Topographic Maps	D. Lab	0
Using Surveying Equipment	P. Lab/O.B.I.	6
Drainage Design and Site Analysis	Credit	5
Equipment Evaluation and Safe Usage
Grading / Drainage Activities

Prerequisite:	Provisional Admission
Corequisite:

Course Guide

Competency	After completing this section, the student will:	Hours
		Class	D.Lab	P.Lab/ O.B.I.

Introduction to Grading and Drainage		5	0	0
Grading	Define and discuss grading
	Discuss steps to grading a site
Cut and Fill	Describe and discuss the cut and fill process
Drainage	Describe the two main drainage types and the advantages and disadvantages of each
Using Topographic Maps		5	0	10
Reading Topographic Maps	Discuss and interpret information and features of a topographic map
	Define and discuss contour lines
	Interpret landforms from contours
	Interpret and discuss topographic mapping symbols
	Interpret local topographic map
	Design basic topographic map
Using Surveying Equipment		5	0	10
Instrument Surveying	Define and discuss surveying and leveling
	Describe the devices used for leveling and demonstrate how they are used
	Describe how to set up an instrument and take a level
	Describe how to read a leveling rod
	Perform slope calculations
Drainage Design and Site Analysis		5	0	10
Site Analysis	Conduct a site analysis
Drainage Design	Develop drainage design according to site analysis and drainage requirements
	Discuss installation and maintenance of drainage systems
Equipment Usage and Safety		5	0	10
Equipment	Describe the use and operation procedures for various pieces of grading equipment
Safety	Discuss safety procedures for the usage of various pieces of grading equipment
	Operate various pieces of grading equipment
Grading / Drainage Activities		5	0	20
	Demonstrate knowledge of site procedures
	Demonstrate knowledge of the safe use of grading equipment
	Grade landscape areas according to specifications on a landscape plan

Suggested Resources

Books

Field, Harry L. (2004). Landscape Surveying. Albany, NY: Delmar Publishers Inc.

Sauter, David. (2000). Landscape Construction. Albany, NY: Delmar Publishers Inc.

Thomas, D. (editor). 1979. Grade Easy. American Association of Landscape Architects – Bulletin 2614.

Sauter, David. (2003). Plan It, Dig It, Build It. Albany, NY: Delmar Publishers Inc.

Capachi, N. (2000). Excavation and Grading. Carlbad, CA: Craftsman Book Co.

Burch, D. (1997). Estimating Excavation. Carlbad, CA: Craftsman Book Co.