The Ins and Outs of Grading in Construction
Grading construction is very important when it comes to the integrity of any construction project whether big or small. When referring to grading in construction, it simply means it is the process of reshaping the land to get it ready for new construction. When it comes to grading land, there is not a one size fits all approach. There are six different types of construction grading that can be implemented.
1. Regrading
This type of grading is used then land needs to be lowered or raised to become level. A lot of time this type of grading is used on small projects such as making sure there is proper drainage in your yard. For big projects such as commercial real estate, regrading is used to ensure all buildings lay on the same level ground.
2. Landscape Grading
When you talk about landscape grading, you are referring to reshaping the land. This is done a lot of times to fit shapes for grass, planters and water features. Another way to use this is to create a slope when installing an irrigation system so that there will be proper drainage. Slopes need to also be created when laying new grass so water will not pool. If water pools it will damage new grass, bring mosquitos to the area and can hurt the structure of your home.
3. Architectural Grading
This is the type they use to reshape land so a home or a building can be constructed. This can mean digging a hole for the structure’s foundation, leveling the ground, reshaping land for drainage, and removing undesired elevations.
4. Rough Grading
As in the name, this can be a type that uses heavy machines. Mini excavators are used if large portions of dirt need to be removed. This includes reshaping, leveling and adding top soil.
5. Finished Grading
Once a project is rough graded, this type of grading is used. Using this grading will help produce final shapes and elevations of the project. It will be used to prepare for planting or before laying gravel. This type will also help to smooth out the surface.
6. Final Grade
As for landscaping projects, this is the final step. Before you seed an area, you will need to place sand or topsoil down so the seeds will grow.
Using one of these types of grading will benefit you on any project. It will not only help with drainage but has other benefits as well. You can use all of the land even if there are slopes or dips etc. In the long run you will prevent any future construction problems.