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paysagement

slope (grade)

In French: pente

Definition

How steep a surface is, in percent: the difference in height divided by the horizontal distance, times 100. A 5 cm drop over 2.5 m is a 2% slope. Drainage guides ask for a steeper slope next to foundations than on the lawn, and set a maximum beyond which a wall or a stabilized bank is needed.

Also called

  • grade
  • fall
  • gradient

Other names in French

  • dénivelé
  • inclinaison

Sources

  1. Calgary requires at least 4% over 1.2 m along a foundation, at least 2% in lawns and grassed swales, and no more than 33% without a retaining wall. (section 4.1, Slope Rules)

    Guide to Lot Drainage · City of Calgary