What does the term "cut grade" refer to in excavation?

The term "cut grade" specifically refers to the level of earth that is removed during the excavation process. This involves taking away a specific amount of soil or material to reach a desired elevation or contour for a project. Understanding cut grade is crucial because it impacts the project's overall design, drainage, and stability of the surrounding area.

In the context of grading, the cut grade is defined prior to excavation activities to ensure that the area will be shaped correctly for further construction processes, such as building foundations or roads. It is an essential part of grading plans and informs the excavation crew of how much material needs to be removed to achieve the design specifications.