On a grading plan, if the existing grade at a point is marked as 142.5' and the proposed grade is 145.2', what is the cut or fill required?
Correct Answer
A) 2.7 feet of fill
Since the proposed grade (145.2') is higher than the existing grade (142.5'), fill material is required. The amount is 145.2 - 142.5 = 2.7 feet of fill.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
When the proposed grade elevation is higher than the existing grade elevation, fill material must be added to raise the ground level. The calculation is straightforward: subtract the existing grade from the proposed grade (145.2' - 142.5' = 2.7'). Since we're raising the elevation, this represents 2.7 feet of fill material needed. This is a fundamental concept in grading and earthwork calculations.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: No grading required
This option incorrectly identifies the operation as 'cut' when it should be 'fill'. Cut occurs when the proposed grade is lower than existing grade, requiring soil removal. Here, the proposed grade is higher, so material must be added (fill).
Option C: 287.7 feet of fill
This option adds the two elevations together (142.5 + 145.2 = 287.7) instead of finding the difference. This is mathematically incorrect for determining cut/fill quantities, which always requires subtraction to find the elevation difference.
Option D: 2.7 feet of cut
This is incorrect because there is a 2.7-foot difference between existing and proposed grades, which clearly requires grading work. Any difference between existing and proposed elevations indicates grading is needed.
Memory Technique
Use 'FILL UP, CUT DOWN' - if the proposed grade goes UP from existing, you need to FILL. If it goes DOWN, you need to CUT.
Reference Hint
Look up 'Grading Plans' and 'Earthwork Calculations' in construction management or site work chapters of contractor reference materials
More Project Mgmt Questions
What is the minimum R-value required for wall insulation in Florida Climate Zone 2?
A subcontractor brings a new chemical product to your jobsite. Under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), what information must be immediately available to workers?
A construction site has a trench that is 8 feet deep in Type B soil. What is the maximum allowable slope ratio for the trench walls without protective systems?
What is the maximum recommended spacing between drywall screws when attaching to wood studs?
Your crew discovers suspected asbestos-containing materials during a renovation project. What is the first action you should take?
A scaffold platform is 12 feet long and 5 feet wide. If the maximum load capacity is 25 pounds per square foot, what is the total weight capacity of this platform?
Which CSI MasterFormat Division would contain specifications for fire-stopping and firesafing materials?
In tilt-up concrete construction, what is the primary advantage of this method over conventional cast-in-place construction?
Which OSHA standard specifically addresses construction industry safety and health regulations?
A structural drawing shows a beam labeled 'W12x26'. What does the '26' represent?
People Also Study
Business & Financial Management
120 questions · 70% to pass
Contract Administration
60 questions · 70% to pass
Related Study Resources
Previous Question
A site plan indicates a building setback of 25 feet from the front property line. If the building is 40 feet deep and the lot is 100 feet deep, what is the rear yard depth?
Next Question
Scaffolding must be inspected by a competent person at which intervals according to OSHA standards?