Vertical Planning

Vertical planning is a construction design and implementation phase that determines how to modify the existing ground surface to ensure water drainage, building access, and landscaping functional requirements.

Vertical planning tasks:

• Water drainage - ensuring surface water runoff
• Access roads - vehicle and pedestrian access
• Building protection - preventing water infiltration
• Earthwork optimization - cut and fill balance
• Landscaping - functional and aesthetic environment

Vertical planning elements:

• Design elevations - spot heights at specific points
• Slopes - surface gradients in percent or degrees
• Drainage directions - water flow trajectories
• Design contours - planned terrain lines

Regulatory requirements:

• Minimum slope for paved surfaces - 0.5-1%
• Maximum slope for driveways - 10-15%
• Slope away from building - at least 2% in first meters
• Minimum blind area width - 0.8-1.0 m

Design process:

1. Existing terrain study (topographic plan)
2. Determining building zero elevations
3. Developing drainage scheme
4. Calculating design elevations
5. Calculating earthwork volumes
6. Developing vertical planning plan

Connection with surveying:

• Topographic plan - basis for vertical planning
• Elevation stakeout - placing design elevations
• As-built surveys - control of completed earthwork
• Volume control - verification of work quantities

Common problems:

• Insufficient slope for water drainage
• Water flow direction toward adjacent properties
• Unbalanced earthwork cut and fill
• Building zero elevation non-compliance

Properly developed vertical planning ensures sustainable functioning of building and territory and prevents water-related damage.