LARE Prep Samples

Project Management Vocabulary

Dr. LARE Study Samples

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LARE Practice Questions - Grading, Drainage & Stormwater Management

Vocabulary - Planning & Design Example

GNATT CHART a visual tool in project management that displays tasks along a timeline, showing their start and finish dates to help plan and track progress.

STAKEHOLDER Any individual or group that has an interest in a project.

CRITICAL PATH The sequence of tasks that determine the minimum project duration. Any delay in these tasks will directly affect the project completion date.

PROCUREMENT The process of acquiring goods or services.

Study Fun - Grading Example

Grading and earthwork are fundamental processes in landscape architecture that shape the land to support drainage, accessibility, and structural stability. These processes involve:

Grading Plans – Defining slopes, elevations, and contour adjustments.
Cut & Fill Calculations – Balancing soil excavation and placement to minimize waste.
Drainage Considerations – Ensuring water flows properly to prevent erosion and flooding.
Soil Compaction & Stability – Preparing the ground for structures, pavements, and vegetation.
ADA Compliance – Creating accessible pathways and slopes that meet regulatory standards.

Proper grading and earthwork improve site functionality, prevent water-related damage, and create aesthetically pleasing landscapes.

A new residential development is being designed on a hilly site. To create functional and stable landscapes, the grading and earthwork process includes:

Site Analysis – Mapping existing contours and identifying slopes that need adjustment.
Cut & Fill Balancing – Ensuring excavated soil is reused on-site to reduce hauling costs.
Drainage Planning – Designing swales and retention basins to control water runoff.
Slope Stabilization – Using retaining walls and vegetation to prevent erosion.
Pathway Accessibility – Adjusting grades to ensure smooth, ADA-compliant walkways.

By carefully planning grading and earthwork, the site remains functional, accessible, and environmentally responsible.

Grading and earthwork require careful planning, engineering knowledge, and environmental awareness to create stable, well-draining, and visually appealing landscapes. Key aspects include:

1. Grading Principles & Elevation Control

Successful grading balances function, aesthetics, and drainage. Core principles include:

Positive Drainage – Ensuring water moves away from buildings and pathways.
Contour Manipulation – Adjusting slopes to blend naturally with the site.
Terracing & Step Grading – Creating level areas on sloped sites to prevent erosion.
Transition Slopes – Avoiding abrupt elevation changes for smoother terrain.

2. Cut & Fill Calculations & Earthwork Balancing

Managing excavation and fill materials efficiently helps control project costs. Techniques include:

Cut & Fill Balancing – Reducing soil import/export needs by reusing excavated material.
Borrow & Spoil Areas – Identifying locations where soil can be added or removed.
Site Grading Models – Using 3D terrain modeling to visualize earthwork adjustments.
Compaction & Settlement Control – Ensuring soil stability for long-term durability.

3. Drainage & Erosion Control

Proper grading prevents water damage, soil loss, and environmental degradation:

Swales & Berms – Directing runoff into controlled drainage pathways.
Retaining Walls – Providing slope stability and preventing landslides.
Permeable Surfaces – Reducing runoff by allowing water infiltration.
Erosion Control Measures – Using mulch, geotextiles, and vegetation to prevent soil washout.

4. Slope Design & Stability Measures

Different slopes serve various functions and require tailored solutions:

Flat Slopes (1-2%) – Ideal for accessible pathways and open spaces.
Moderate Slopes (3-6%) – Suitable for lawns, gardens, and minor drainage swales.
Steep Slopes (6%+) – Requiring terraces, retaining walls, or ground covers to prevent erosion.

5. Site Preparation & Soil Compaction

Grading projects require proper soil preparation to ensure long-term stability:

Subgrade Preparation – Removing debris and unsuitable materials before grading.
Compaction Testing – Ensuring adequate soil density for paving and structural loads.
Soil Amendments – Enhancing soil quality for better drainage and plant growth.
Geotechnical Engineering Considerations – Evaluating soil-bearing capacity for construction needs.

6. Accessibility & ADA Compliance

Ensuring that outdoor spaces are accessible for all users requires careful grading:

Pathway Slopes – Limiting slopes to 5% max for walkways, or providing handrails and landings.
Curb Ramps & Cross-Slope Limits – Ensuring wheelchair accessibility at street crossings.
Tactile Warning Strips – Including detectable paving surfaces for visually impaired users.

7. Climate Adaptation & Sustainable Earthwork Practices

Modern grading techniques incorporate sustainability and climate resilience:

Rainwater Harvesting – Designing sloped surfaces to direct water into collection areas.
Drought-Tolerant Landscaping – Shaping terrain to maximize water retention for vegetation.
Low-Impact Development (LID) Strategies – Integrating grading with bioswales and green roofs.
Wildfire Resilient Grading – Reducing steep slopes and maintaining defensible spaces around structures.

Conclusion

Grading and earthwork are essential for creating stable, accessible, and well-draining landscapes. By carefully planning slope adjustments, cut-and-fill strategies, and drainage solutions, landscape architects enhance site functionality, environmental health, and long-term resilience. These techniques ensure that projects remain structurally sound, cost-effective, and sustainable for future generations.

Challenge Questions:

Climate Context in Planting Decisions (Contextual Analysis)

Scenario:
You’re preparing planting plans for a public library in a region shifting toward drought conditions. The client’s favorite renderings show lush lawns and birch trees.

What’s the most contextually appropriate design direction?

A. Use the renderings to guide final selections, even if not climate-adapted.

B. Provide a planting palette based on climate data, with similar visual character.

C. Include birches and lawn with a detailed irrigation plan.

D. Swap to xeric plantings and explain after installation.

✅ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Context-responsive design aligns aesthetics with climate realities. Matching visual intent while adjusting species shows responsiveness and expertise.