A site plan shows existing grade at 100.0' and proposed grade at 98.5' at a specific location. How much cut is required at this point?
Correct Answer
B) 1.5 feet of cut
When the proposed grade (98.5') is lower than the existing grade (100.0'), soil must be removed (cut). The difference of 1.5 feet represents the amount of cut required at this location.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Cut and fill calculations are fundamental to site grading work. When the proposed grade elevation is lower than the existing grade elevation, soil must be removed (cut) to achieve the desired final grade. The calculation is straightforward: existing grade minus proposed grade equals the amount of cut needed. In this case, 100.0' - 98.5' = 1.5 feet of cut required.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 1.5 feet of fill
Fill is used when the proposed grade is higher than existing grade, requiring soil to be added. Since the proposed grade (98.5') is lower than existing grade (100.0'), this is a cut operation, not fill. Fill would be incorrect as it represents the opposite grading operation needed here.
Option D: No grading required
This incorrectly adds the two elevations (100.0' + 98.5' = 198.5') instead of finding their difference. The correct calculation for cut/fill is always the absolute difference between existing and proposed grades, not their sum. This represents a fundamental mathematical error in grade calculation.
Memory Technique
Think 'Cut Down, Fill Up' - if the proposed grade goes down from existing, you cut (remove soil). If it goes up, you fill (add soil).
Reference Hint
Look up site work and grading sections in construction references, typically found in earthwork or site preparation chapters of construction handbooks.
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