Civil Engineering · Engineering Glossary
Grading is the earthwork process of reshaping the ground surface of a site to achieve design elevations, establish drainage patterns, prepare subgrades for foundations and pavements, and create a buildable platform. A grading plan shows existing and proposed contours, cut and fill areas, and drainage patterns.
The civil engineer designs the grading plan by setting finish floor elevations, establishing positive drainage away from buildings (minimum 2% slope per IBC), and designing the transitions between the building pad and adjacent hardscape, landscaping, and streets. Cut-and-fill volumes are balanced where possible to minimize hauling costs — a cut/fill balance analysis shows whether the site generates excess material (requiring export) or a deficit (requiring import). Grading near property lines, in floodplains, or on slopes exceeding 2:1 requires additional analysis and may trigger retaining wall engineering. The geotechnical engineer provides earthwork recommendations — compaction specifications, suitability of on-site materials for fill, and expansion potential of the native soils. Apex Grid prepares grading plans as part of civil site development packages.
Apex Grid Engineering maintains this glossary as a resource for architects, contractors, developers, and property owners who encounter unfamiliar engineering terminology on their projects.
View All Engineering TermsApex Grid's licensed PEs provide civil engineering services across multiple jurisdictions — with fast quote turnaround and permit-ready documents.
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