Landform Grading and Slope Evolution

Transportation corridors and residential developments in steep terrain both require that some grading be carried out to accommodate roadways and building sites. The manner in which this grading is planned and executed and the nature of the resulting topography or landforms that are created affect not only the visual or aesthetic impact of the development but also the long-term stability of the slopes and effectiveness of landscaping and revegetation efforts. Conventionally graded slopes can be characterized by essentially planar slope surfaces with constant gradients. Most slopes in nature, however, consist of complex landforms covered by vegetation that grows in patterns that are adjusted to hillside hydrogeology. Analysis of slope-evolution models reveals that a planar slope in many cases is not an equilibrium configuration. Landform-graded slopes on the other hand mimic stable natural slopes and are characterized by a variety of shapes, including convex and concave forms. Downslope drains either follow natural drop lines in the slope or are hidden from view in swale-and-berm combinations. Landscaping plants are placed in patterns that occur in nature as opposed to random or artificial configurations. The relatively small increase in the costs of engineering and design for landform grading are more than offset by improved visual and aesthetic impact, quicker regulatory approval, decreased hillside maintenance and sediment removal costs, and increased marketability and public acceptance.