PRC LALE flashcards

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

Rational method formula

Q = CiA estimates peak storm runoff, where Q is discharge, C the runoff coefficient reflecting surface cover, i rainfall intensity, and A drainage area. It is valid only for small catchments.

Percentage slope

Percent slope equals rise divided by run, multiplied by 100. A 1:12 ramp is therefore 8.33%, while walkway cross slopes are usually held at 1-2% to shed water.

BP 344 ramp standard

Philippine accessibility rule: ramps have a maximum slope of 1:12, clear width of 1.20 m, landings every 6.00 m of run, and handrails on both sides at 0.90 m and 0.70 m.

Contour interval

The vertical distance in meters between two adjacent contour lines on a topographic map. Closely spaced lines indicate steep ground; widely spaced lines indicate gentle or flat terrain.

Cut and fill balance

A grading strategy that makes excavated soil volume equal fill volume on the same site, avoiding costly hauling and preventing import or export of soil off site.

Philippine solar orientation

The Philippines lies at roughly 5-20 degrees north latitude, so the sun is nearly overhead. Long building axes oriented east-west reduce low-angle east and west solar heat gain.

Building setback

The minimum horizontal distance required between a structure and the property line, established by the National Building Code and refined by the applicable local zoning ordinance.

Viewshed analysis

A map of all terrain visible from a chosen viewpoint, or of all points from which a landmark can be seen. It is used to protect vistas and position structures.

Flexible pavement

Pavement built from compacted subgrade, granular subbase, base course, and an asphalt or similar wearing surface. Loads spread gradually downward through the layers.

Weep holes

Small openings through a retaining wall, backed with gravel and filter fabric, that release trapped groundwater and relieve hydrostatic pressure behind the wall.

Class A concrete mix

Common Philippine proportion of 1:2:4 cement, sand, and gravel by volume, producing roughly 3,000 psi or 20.7 MPa, used for footings, walks, and slabs.

Subgrade compaction

The soil beneath pavement is compacted to at least 95% of its maximum dry density determined by the Standard Proctor test, preventing later settlement and pavement failure.

Concrete curing period

New concrete is kept continuously moist for about seven days so cement hydration can continue, improving strength and durability while reducing surface cracking.

Drip emitter output

A device delivering water slowly, typically 1-4 liters per hour, directly to the root zone. Efficiency is high because evaporation, wind drift, and runoff are minimal.

Pole spacing rule

A site lighting rule of thumb: luminaire spacing should be roughly three to four times the mounting height to produce reasonably even illumination on the ground.

Expansion joint

A planned gap between concrete slabs, paving units, or structures that allows thermal and moisture movement, preventing random cracking at uncontrolled locations.

Narra

Pterocarpus indicus, the Philippine national tree. A large hardwood used for shade and avenue planting, noted for its spreading crown and fragrant yellow flowers.

Root flare

The point where the trunk widens into the root system. It must sit at or slightly above finished grade; burying it suffocates roots and invites decay.

Balling and burlapping

A nursery method in which a soil root ball is dug around a tree and wrapped in burlap and twine to keep roots intact and moist during transport and transplanting.

One-third mowing rule

A turf management rule stating that at any single mowing, no more than one-third of the total grass blade height should be removed, to avoid stressing the plant.

Hydrozoning

Grouping plants with similar water requirements into separate irrigation zones, so each zone is scheduled according to its own need instead of the site average.

Edge effect

Greater species richness and density found where two habitat types meet, because the transition zone or ecotone offers resources from both adjoining communities.

Rhizophora

A mangrove genus with stilt or prop roots, typically planted on the seaward fringe. Species such as Rhizophora apiculata stabilize shorelines and buffer storm waves.

Water hyacinth

Eichhornia crassipes, a free-floating South American aquatic plant that is invasive in Philippine rivers and lakes, forming dense mats that block light, oxygen, and navigation.

RA 9053

Republic Act No. 9053, the Philippine Landscape Architecture Act of 2000, which regulates the practice and licensure of landscape architecture and defines the scope of professional services.

Board of Landscape Architecture

A three-member professional board under the Professional Regulation Commission that prepares and rates the licensure examination and recommends issuance of licenses to successful candidates.

Ildefonso P. Santos Jr.

Pioneer Filipino landscape architect named National Artist in 2006 under the Architecture category, recognized for park, plaza, and institutional ground designs in the Philippines.

Design with Nature

Ian McHarg's 1969 book that introduced overlay mapping, stacking site factor layers to identify land most suitable for development and land best left preserved.

Garden City concept

Ebenezer Howard's 1898 proposal for self-contained towns of limited population surrounded by productive agricultural greenbelts, combining town convenience with country air.

Emerald Necklace

A system of connected parks and parkways in Boston designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, linking the Boston Common to Franklin Park through continuous green corridors.

PALA

The Philippine Association of Landscape Architects, the accredited professional organization for the practice and the Philippine member association of IFLA.

CPD units

Continuing Professional Development credits required under RA 10912 as a condition for renewing a PRC professional identification card, which is renewed every three years.