Topography & Site Planning

The gradient of paths, the use of areas, the placement of buildings, the flow of
utilities, visual form = In itself topography sometimes determines design.

Influences of topography on the natural systems of a site:

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controls flow of surface water- drainage networks

controls pattern of erosion and sedimentation
influences soil formation and vegetative growth
influence on microclimate

Influences, of topography on basic land use and site planning

requirements:

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safety - hazardous slopes or cliffs

stability - steep slopes
accessibility- steep landforms
utilities
spatial pattern - arrangement of usable spaces
views

What to look for in site reconnaissance:

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the shape of the land- drainage patterns and landforms (terrain units)
slopes- steepness, cover, aspect

Figure by MIT OCW.

Figure by MIT OCW.

landforms (terrain units)

z

Five basic slope forms: Straight, Convex, Concave, S-shaped, and irregular .

Figure by MIT OCW.

slopes influence many important aspects of land use and site planning, that they
are often used as an environmental criteria in regulating development at the
community level.

A slope ordinance is often used in evaluating and regulating the environmental

suitability of development proposals by planning agencies in towns and counties.

slope problems
disturbances:
z
Mechanical cut and fill and the placement of structures
z
Deforestation
z
Drainage alteration

Disturbances such as landslides cause $1-2 billion in damages and more than 25 fatalities on average
each year.

Setting slope classes

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The criteria used to set the slope classes are dependent foremost on
the problems and questions for which the map will be employed.

One set of criteria would be the maximum and minimum slope limits
of the various uses.

Another would be the natural limitations and conditions of the slopes

themselves.

With respect to land use activities, we would want to know the

optimum slopes for parking lots, house sites, streets, playgrounds,
lawns, and so on.

Slope Constraints on Development

Site with slopes averaging less than 1%:

Usually result in areas of poor drainage and larger than normal gravity flow
systems. Otherwise, they offer few development constraints.

Sites with slopes averaging 1 -3%:

usually offer the least topographic constraints. Positive drainage can
normally be attained without excessive site re-grading. These sites
are suitable for a wide range of development types; unfortunately
these are often our best farmlands.

Sites with slopes averaging 3 - 5%:

These sites impose only slight constraints, except to developments
that require large, fairly flat surfaces, e.g. play fields, parking areas,
and major structures such as m manufacturing plants and
warehouses.

Sites with slopes averaging 5 - 8%:

Impose slight constraints to developments with small structures and
minimal site coverage and support systems. Constraints increase
with the size of structures and with the percentage of site covered.
These slopes have a formative impact on site organization, as well as
on the orientation of buildings and roads.

ADA- Handicap Ramps- maximum 8.3% or 12:1

Sites with slopes averaging more than 8%:

generally impose severe constraints to development. These slopes

normally exclude structures with large footprints and severely increasing
the cost of even small structures. On the other hand, unique visual
amenities often make these sites desirable places on which to build.

Topographic Constraints Upon Development

Average Site
Slope %

Large Scale
Industrial etc.

Small Scale
Industrial etc.

0-1
1-3
3-5
5-8
8-15
15-25
>25

slight
none
moderate
severe
severe
severe
severe

moderate
none
slight
moderate
severe
severe
severe

Moderate
Density
Housing etc.
moderate
none
slight
moderate
high
severe
severe

Low Density
Housing Area
etc.
moderate
none
slight
slight
moderate
high
severe

For additional informaion about topography, slope, and gradient, pleae visit:

http://www.kaplanaecarchitecture.com/kaplanAECarchitecture/documents/Site%20Planning-Chapter%204.pdf

Organized
Play Soccer
etc.
severe
none
slight
moderate
high
severe
severe