A slope with a ratio of 2:1 and a height of 20 feet has what horizontal run?

To determine the horizontal run of a slope with a 2:1 ratio and a height of 20 feet, it's important to understand the implications of the slope ratio. The ratio signifies that for every 2 units of horizontal distance, there is a 1 unit of vertical rise. In this case, a 2:1 slope means that for every 1 foot of height (vertical), there are 2 feet of distance (horizontal) in the same proportion.

Given the height of the slope is 20 feet, we need to calculate how much horizontal distance corresponds to that height. Since the slope is a 2:1 ratio, we can multiply the height by 2 to find the horizontal run.

So, we take the height of 20 feet and apply the slope ratio:

Horizontal run = Height × 2 = 20 feet × 2 = 40 feet.

Thus, the horizontal run associated with a 20-foot vertical height on a 2:1 slope is 40 feet. This understanding illustrates key principles of grading and slope calculations used in excavating and grading practices.