What is the definition of 'grade' in construction terms?

In construction terms, 'grade' is defined as the rise over run, which quantifies the steepness or incline of a surface. This relationship is crucial for various construction processes, including grading and excavating, as it helps determine how water drainage will occur and how structures will fit within the landscape.

Understanding rise over run allows construction professionals to calculate the slope accurately, ensuring that they design surfaces that meet specific requirements for safety and functionality. This ratio is typically expressed as a percentage, which makes it easier to communicate and apply in engineering and design plans.

The concept of grade is fundamental in transforming natural terrain into a usable surface, and thus is key in grading operations, where manipulatively adjusting elevation is imperative for things like road construction, landscaping, and ensuring proper drainage.