LARE Section 4 flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Contour interval

The vertical distance in elevation between two adjacent contour lines on a topographic map. A smaller interval reveals finer terrain detail and is used for flatter sites.

Percent slope formula

Slope percent equals rise divided by run, multiplied by 100. A 1-foot rise over 20 feet of run is a 5 percent slope, the maximum typical accessible running slope.

Cut and fill balance

A grading condition in which excavated soil volume equals the volume needed for fill, minimizing hauling costs. Unbalanced sites require importing or exporting earthwork.

100-year floodplain

Land inundated by a flood having a 1 percent chance of occurring in any given year. The 500-year floodplain corresponds to a 0.2 percent annual probability.

Rational method

Peak runoff formula Q = CiA, where C is the runoff coefficient by surface type, i is rainfall intensity, and A is drainage area. Used to size storm drainage.

Standard of care

The degree of skill and care ordinarily exercised by competent landscape architects under similar circumstances. It defines the benchmark for professional negligence claims.

Graphic scale

A drawn bar scale that remains accurate if a drawing is photographically enlarged or reduced, unlike a stated ratio such as 1 inch equals 20 feet.

Bearing versus azimuth

Bearing is an angle from north or south toward east or west, written with a quadrant letter. Azimuth is a clockwise angle from north ranging 0 to 360 degrees.

Metes and bounds

A legal description of land that follows boundary courses and distances from a point of beginning, often referencing monuments, and returns to close the traverse.

Benchmark

A fixed point of known elevation used as a reference for survey work. A temporary benchmark is established for a project and tied to a permanent datum.

USGS quadrangle map

A topographic map typically at 1:24,000 scale showing contours, planimetric features, and land cover. Used for early site inventory and regional context analysis.

Specifications precedence

Contract language that establishes which document governs when drawings and specifications conflict. Specifications commonly control over drawings unless the contract states otherwise.

Soils report contents

A geotechnical report giving bearing capacity, seasonal high water table, permeability, and shrink-swell potential. These values inform footing, paving, and drainage design.

Tree protection zone

The area around a tree where disturbance is restricted to protect roots. It is often set at the dripline or a radius based on trunk diameter per local code.

Plan detail scale

Detail drawings depict small areas at large scale, such as 1 inch equals 1 foot, while site plans use small scales, such as 1 inch equals 50 feet.

Concrete 28-day strength

Concrete mix design is specified by compressive strength reached at 28 days. Landscape flatwork typically uses 3,000 to 4,000 psi, often air entrained for freeze-thaw resistance.

Asphalt pavement section

A layered assembly of compacted subgrade, aggregate base, and hot-mix asphalt surface. Base compaction is verified as a percentage of maximum dry density.

Permeable paver system

Unit pavers with open-graded aggregate joints and base that store and infiltrate stormwater. The reservoir layer is sized for the design storm and soil infiltration rate.

AIA A201 General Conditions

Standard contract general conditions defining the architect's administration role, including site visits and issuing interpretations, but not supervising or controlling construction means and methods.

Change order

A written modification to the contract, signed by owner and contractor, adjusting scope, price, or time. A construction change directive orders work before price agreement.

Request for information

A formal written question from the contractor seeking clarification of contract documents. The designer's response may result in a clarification or a change order.

Shop drawing review

The designer's check of contractor submittals for conformance with the design concept and contract documents, not for approval of the contractor's means and methods.

Substantial completion

The stage when work is sufficiently complete for its intended use. It triggers warranties, retainage release, and the start of the correction period for punch list items.

Critical path

The longest-duration sequence of dependent activities through a project network. Any delay on the critical path delays project completion because it has zero total float.

Total float

The time an activity can be delayed without delaying project completion. It equals late finish minus early finish, or late start minus early start.

Unit cost estimating

An estimating method multiplying a cost per unit, such as per square foot of paving, by the quantity. Accuracy improves with more detailed quantity takeoffs.

Instructions to bidders

A contract document describing bidding procedures, submission requirements, and evaluation criteria. It is distinct from the general and supplementary conditions.

Retainage

A percentage of each progress payment withheld by the owner until completion. It protects the owner against incomplete or defective work and lien exposure.

Mechanics lien

A statutory claim against a property by contractors or suppliers for unpaid work or materials. Lien waivers release these rights when payment is received.

Gantt bar chart

A scheduling graphic showing activities as bars along a time axis. It communicates duration well but shows dependencies and float less clearly than a network diagram.

Punch list

A record of incomplete or defective items identified at substantial completion. Items must be corrected before final payment and release of retainage.

Performance bond

A surety instrument guaranteeing the contractor will complete the work per the contract. Payment bonds separately protect subcontractors and suppliers from nonpayment.