Definitions Flashcards

1
Q

Abrasion

A

Wearing away by friction

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2
Q

Alignment

A

The course along which the centerline of a roadway or channel is located

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3
Q

Angle of Repose

A

The angle that the sloping face of a bank of loose earth or gravel or other material makes with the horizontal

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4
Q

Antecedent Precipitation

A

Rainfall that has recently preceded the storm event being analyzed

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5
Q

Area Drain

A

A structure for collecting runoff from relatively small, paved areas

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6
Q

Backfill

A

Earth or other material used to replace material removed during construction, such as in pipeline and culvert trenches and behind retaining walls.

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7
Q

Base (Course)

A

A layer of specified or selected material of planned thickness, constructed on the subbase or on the natural subgrade to distribute the load and provide drainage, or on which a wearing surface or a drainage structure is placed

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8
Q

Bearing Capacity (Soil)

A

The load-supporting capacity of a soil

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9
Q

Bench

A

A horizontal or sloping step in a slope

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10
Q

Bioretention

A

A technique that uses parking lot islands, planting strips, or swales to collect and filter storm water

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11
Q

Blading

A

Planning or smoothing the ground surface

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12
Q

Borrow

A

Fill material imported to a site

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13
Q

Borrow Area

A

A source of earth fill materials used in the construction of embankments or other earth fill structures

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14
Q

Brushlayering

A

Live branch cuttings laid in crisscross fashion on benches between successive lifts of soil

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15
Q

Caisson

A

Similar to pile; however, rather than driven, holes are drilled into the ground and filled with concrete

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16
Q

Catch Basin

A

A receptacle, with a sediment bowl or sump, for diverting surface water to a subsurface pipe

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17
Q

Centerline

A

The survey line in the center of a road, ditch, or similar project

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18
Q

Channel

A

A natural stream, or a ditch or swale constructed to convey water

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19
Q

Cluster Development

A

A land planning technique to concentrate buildings on a portion of a site in order to preserve open space and environmentally sensitive areas

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20
Q

Compaction

A

The densification of a soil by a mechanical process

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21
Q

Constructed Wetland

A

Artificially created wetland primarily to treat point and non-point sources of water pollution

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22
Q

Continuity Equation

A

A formula expressing the principle of conservation of mass as applied to the flow of water (or other fluids of constant density.) It states that the product of cross section of flow and velocity at any point in a channel is a constant

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23
Q

Contour Line

A

An imaginary line, or its representation on a map, following all points at the same elevation above or below a given datum

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24
Q

Critical Depth

A

The depth of flow in an open channel at which critical flow occurs. For a given flow rate, depths greater than critical result in subcritical, or tranquil flow. Those smaller than critical result in supercritical, or rapid, flow

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25
Q

Critical Flow

A

An unstable flow condition in an open channel that occurs at critical depth

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26
Q

Critical Velocity

A

The velocity at which unstable flow conditions begin to occur

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27
Q

Crown

A

The rise or difference in elevation between the edge and the centerline of a roadway

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28
Q

Culvert

A

Any structure, not classified as a bridge, that provides a waterway or other opening under a road

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29
Q

Cut Section (Or Cut)

A

The part of the ground surface that, when graded, is lower than the original ground

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30
Q

Datum

A

A horizontal reference plane used as a basis for computing elevations

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31
Q

Detention Basin (Dry Pond)

A

An impoundment, normally dry, for temporarily storing storm runoff from a drainage area to reduce the peak rate of flow.

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32
Q

Field Dimension

A

Dimension that must be measured on site, usually after site elements have been constructed

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33
Q

Fixed Dimension

A

Dimension that locates site elements with a high level of accuracy

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34
Q

Flexible Dimension

A

Dimension that has a greater tolerance with regard to acceptable levels of accuracy

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35
Q

Semifixed Dimension

A

Dimension located in reference to a fixed dimension

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36
Q

Discharge (q)

A

Flow rate in a culvert, pipe, or channel

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37
Q

Diversion

A

A channel, with or without a supporting ridge on the lower side, constructed across a slope to intercept surface runoff

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38
Q

Drainage

A

Interception and removal of groundwater or surface water by artificial or natural streams

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39
Q

Drainage Area

A

The area drained by a channel or subsurface water by artificial or natural means

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40
Q

Edaphology

A

The study of the soil from the standpoint of higher plants and crop production

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41
Q

Elevation

A

(a) The altitude relative to a given datum

(b) A scale drawing of the facade of a structure

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42
Q

Embankment

A

A bank of earth, rock, or other material constructed above the natural ground surface

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43
Q

Emergency Spillway

A

A channel for safely conveying flood discharges exceeding the capacity of the principal spillway of a detention or retention pond

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44
Q

Erodibility

A

Susceptibility of soil material to detachment and transportation by running water or wind

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45
Q

Erosion

A

Detachment and movement of soil or rock fragments by water wind, ice, and gravity

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46
Q

Excavation

A

(a) The act of taking out materials

(b) The hollow or depression after the materials have been removed

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47
Q

Fiber Rolls

A

Prefabricated tubes consisting of biodegradable materials such as coconut fiber or rice and wheat straw

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48
Q

Fill Section (or Fill)

A

The part of the ground surface that, when graded, is higher than the original ground

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49
Q

Filter Strip

A

A vegetated buffer zone for removing sediments and pollutants before runoff reaches ponds, waterways, or other drainage facilities

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50
Q

Fine Grade

A

Preparation of the subgrade preceding placement of surfacing materials

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51
Q

Foundation

A

The portion of a structure (usually below ground level) that distributes the pressure to the soil or to artificial supports

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52
Q

Free Water

A

Soil water that moves by gravity, in contrast to capillary and hydroscopic water

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53
Q

French Drain

A

A trench filled with coarse aggregate (with or without a pipe) for intercepting and conveying groundwater

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54
Q

Gabion

A

A compartmented rectangular container made of steel wire mesh and filled with stone. Gabions are used for erosion control and retaining wall purposes

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55
Q

Geosynthetics

A

Degradable and nondegradable products used for a variety of purposes including soil and slope stabilization, erosion and sediment control, soil reinforcement, and subsurface drainage

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56
Q

Geotextiles

A

Woven and nonwoven permeable fabrics and grids used for soil-related construction projects

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57
Q

Finished Grade

A

The completed surfaces of lawns, walks, and roads brought to grades as designed

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58
Q

Natural Grade

A

The undisturbed natural surface of the ground

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59
Q

Subgrade

A

The grade established in preparation for top surfacing of roads, lawns, etc.

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60
Q

Gradient

A

The degree of inclination of a surface, road, or pipe, usually expressed as a percentage

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61
Q

Grading

A

Modification of the ground surface by cuts and/or fills. Fine or finish grading is light or thin grading to finish a prepared earth surface

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62
Q

Grassed Waterway

A

A natural or constructed channel, usually broad and shallow, covered with erosion-resistant vegetation, used to conduct surface runoff

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63
Q

Gravel

A

Aggregate composed of hard, durable stones or pebbles, crushed or uncrushed, often mixed with sand

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64
Q

Groundwater

A

Free subsurface water, the top of which is the water table

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65
Q

Gutter

A

An artificially surfaced and generally shallow waterway, usually provided at the sides of a roadway for carrying surface drainage

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66
Q

Headwall

A

A vertical wall at the end of a culvert to support the pipe and prevent earth from spilling into the channel

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67
Q

Hydraulic Radius

A

The cross-sectional area of flow of a pipe or channel divided by the wetted perimeter

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68
Q

Hydrograph

A

A graph showing, for a given point on a channel, the discharge, stage, velocity, or other property of water with respect to time

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69
Q

Hydrologic Condition

A

A term describing the vegetative cover, residue, and surface roughness of a soil as they may affect potential runoff

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70
Q

Hydrologic Cycle

A

The concept of a closed system, involving the transformation of water from the vapor phase to the liquid (and solid) phase and back to the vapor phase, and the movement of that water

71
Q

Hydrologic Soil Group (HSG)

A

A soil classification system based on infiltration and potential runoff characteristics

72
Q

Imperviousness

A

The property of a material through which water will not flow under ordinary hydrostatic pressure

73
Q

Infiltratoin

A

The downward entry of water into the immediate surface of a soil or other material, as contrasted with percolation, which is movement of water through soil layers or material

74
Q

Infiltration Basin

A

An open-surface storage area with no outlet, except an emergency spillway, that permits runoff to infiltrate the soil

75
Q

Initial Abstraction (Ia)

A

Losses before runoff begins, including infiltration, evaporation, interception by vegetation, and water retained in surface depressions

76
Q

Inlet

A

An arrangement for conveying surface water to an underdrain

77
Q

Intercepting Ditch

A

An open drain to prevent surface water from flowing down a slope by conducting it around the slope

78
Q

Interpolation (topographic)

A

The process of determining the location of elevations from the plotted locations of known elevations

79
Q

Invert

A

The lowest point of the internal cross section of a pipe or channel

80
Q

Layout Plan

A

Drawing that dimensionally located site elements to be constructed

81
Q

Lift

A

Fill or base course material placed in successive layers. Each layer is properly compacted prior to the placement of the next layer.

82
Q

Live Fascines

A

Bound, elongated, sausage-like bundles of live cut branches that are placed in shallow trenches, partly covered with soil, and staked in place to arrest erosion and soil slippage

83
Q

Live Stake

A

Cuttings from living branches tamped or inserted into the earth that will eventually root and leaf out

84
Q

Low-Flow Channel

A

A small ditch constructed in flat bottoms of larger ditches or detention basins to facilitate their drainage during periods of low flow.

85
Q

Manhole

A

A structure, covered with a lid, that allows a person to enter a space below ground level

86
Q

Manning’s Equation

A

A formula for calculating the velocity of flow in a channel as a function of relative roughness, cross-sectional configuration, and gradient

87
Q

Maximum Potential Retention (S)

A

The greatest proportion of precipitation that could possibly be retained by a specific soil and land use combination

88
Q

Modified Rational Method (MRM)

A

An extension of the Rational method for calculating the rate of runoff from a drainage area. It includes provisions for antecedent precipitation and for developing hydrographs

89
Q

Moisture Content

A

The percentage, by weight, of water contained in soil or other material, usually based on dry weight

90
Q

Monument

A

A boundary stone or other permanent marker location a property line or corner

91
Q

NRCS

A

Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly Soil Conservation Service), a federal agency in the Department of Agriculture, dealing with erosion and flood control

92
Q

Outlet

A

Point of water disposal from a stream, river, lake, tidewater, or artificial drain

93
Q

Peak Discharge

A

The maximum instantaneous flow rate resulting from a given storm condition at a specific location

94
Q

Pedology

A

The study of the soil as a natural body, including its origin, characteristics, classification, and description

95
Q

Percolation

A

Movement of soil water toward the water table

96
Q

Perron

A

An exterior platform at a building entrance, usually with steps leading up to it

97
Q

Pervious

A

The property of a material that permits movement of water through it under ordinary hydrostatic pressure

98
Q

pH

A

A measure of alkalinity or acidity, with pH 7 being neutral and pH 6.5 being a desirable degree of soil acidity

99
Q

Pile

A

Vertical structural member made of concrete or steel that is driven into the ground by a pile driver until there is significant resistance or bedrock is reached to support the intended load

100
Q

Point of Beginning (POB)

A

Establishes a reference point that serves as the origin for site dimensioning

101
Q

Porous

A

Having many small openings through which liquids may pass

102
Q

Porous Pavement

A

A pavement constructed from a material that permits percolation of storm water to the subgrade

103
Q

Principal Spillway

A

A component of retention or detention ponds, generally constructed of permanent materials. It is designed to regulate the normal water level, provide flood protection, and/or reduce the frequency of operation of the emergency spillway

104
Q

Rainfall Intensity (i)

A

The rate at which rain falls, measured in inches per hours (iph) or millimeters per hour (mm/h)

105
Q

Ramp

A

An inclined plane serving as a way between two different levels

106
Q

Rational Method

A

A formula for calculating the peak runoff rate from a drainage area based on land use, soils, land slope, rainfall intensity, and drainage area

107
Q

Recession, or Receding Limb (of a Hydrograph)

A

The portion of a hydrograph that occurs after the peak when the flow rate decreases

108
Q

Retaining Wall

A

A wall built to support a bank of earth

109
Q

Retention Basin (Wet Pond)

A

A reservoir; containing a permanent pool, for temporarily storing storm runoff and reducing the storm runoff rate from a drainage area

110
Q

Right of Way

A

The entire strip of land dedicated for highway purposes

111
Q

Riprap

A

Stones or other material placed on a slope to prevent erosion by water

112
Q

Rising Limb (of a hydrograph)

A

The portion of a hydrograph preceding the peak when the flow rate increases

113
Q

Rough Grade

A

Stage of grading operation in which the desired landform is approximately attained

114
Q

Roughness Coefficient (n)

A

A factor in the Manning formula representing the effect of channel or conduit roughness on energy losses in the flowing water

115
Q

Runoff

A

That part of precipitation carried off from the area on which it falls. Also, the rate of surface discharge of the above. (The ratio of runoff to precipitation is a coefficient, expressed as a decimal.)

116
Q

Runoff Curve Number (CN)

A

A parameter used in NRCS (SCS) hydrological techniques, based on soil characteristics and land use

117
Q

SCS

A

Formerly the Soil Conservation Service, now known as the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), a federal agency in the Department of Agriculture, dealing with erosion and flood control.

118
Q

Sediment

A

Solid material, both mineral and organic, in suspension, being transported, or having been moved from its original site by air, water, gravity, or ice

119
Q

Sediment Basin

A

A reservoir formed by the construction of a barrier or dam built at a suitable location to permit the settling out of sediments (e.g., rock, sand, gravel, silt, or other material) before releasing the water.

120
Q

Shallow Concentrated Flow

A

Flow in shallow rills

121
Q

Shear Stress (Channel)

A

Force per unit area exerted on the wetted area of a channel, acting in the direction of flow

122
Q

Sheet Flow

A

Flow over plane, sloped surfaces on a thin layer

123
Q

Shoulder

A

The portion of roadway between the edge of the hardened wearing course and the ditch or embankment

124
Q

Sight Distance

A

The distance between approaching vehicles when first visible to one another on a horizontal or vertical curve

125
Q

Slide

A

Movement of soil on a slope resulting in a reduced angle of repose, usually occurring as a result or rainfall, high water, or thaw

126
Q

Slope

A

The face of an embankment or a cut section. Any ground whose surface makes an angle with the horizontal plane

127
Q

Soil Bioengineering

A

Use of live, woody vegetative cuttings to repair slope failures and increase slope stability

128
Q

Splash Block

A

A masonry block with its top close to the ground surface, which receives roof drainage and prevents erosion below the spout

129
Q

Storage (Runoff)

A

Runoff that is temporarily impounded to permit control of the runoff rate and/or to improve water quality

130
Q

Storm Sewer

A

A conduit used for conveyance of rainwater

131
Q

Structure

A

Anything constructed that requires a permanent location on the ground or is attached to something having a permanent location on the ground

132
Q

Subdrain

A

A pervious backfilled trench containing a pipe with perforations or open joints for the purpose of intercepting groundwater or seepage

133
Q

Superelevation

A

The rise of the outer edge of the pavement relative to the inner edge at a curve in the highway, expressed in feet per foot, intended to overcome the tendency of speeding vehicles to overturn when rounding a curve

134
Q

Swale

A

A constructed or natural grassed or vegetated waterway

135
Q

Tangent

A

A straight road segment connecting two curves

136
Q

Terrace

A

An essentially level and defined area, usually raised, either paved or planted, forming part of a garden or building setting

137
Q

Time of Concentration (Tc)

A

The time for water to flow from the hydraulically most remote point in a drainage area to the point of interest

138
Q

Time of Recession (Trec)

A

The period of time from the peak of a hydrograph until it reaches the beginning flow rate

139
Q

Time of Rise (of a Hydrograph) (Trise)

A

The period of time from the beginning flow rate until the peak flow rate is reached

140
Q

Travel Time (Tt)

A

The time for runoff to flow from one point in a drainage area to another

141
Q

Trench Drain

A

A linear structure that collects runoff from a paved area

142
Q

Vegetated Structures

A

A retaining wall system in which living plants or cuttings have been integrated into the structure

143
Q

Vegetative Cuttings

A

Live, cut stems and branches of plants that will root when embedded or inserted in the ground

144
Q

Water Quality Basin

A

A reservoir that has a provision for removing pollutants from storm runoff by retaining the runoff from high-frequency storms (i.e., those with 1- or 2-year frequencies) for prolonged periods (i.e., from 18 to 36 hours)

145
Q

Watershed

A

Region or area contributing to the supply of a stream or lake. (Also, a drainage basin or catchment area.)

146
Q

Water Table

A

The level below which the ground is saturated.

147
Q

Waterway

A

A natural course, or a constructed channel, for the flow of water

148
Q

Weephole

A

A small hole, as in retaining wall, to drain water to the outside

149
Q

Weir

A

An opening in the crest of a dam or an embankment to discharge excess water; also used for measuring the rate of discharge

150
Q

Lumen

A

A quantitative unit of measurement referring to the total amount of light energy emitted by a light source, without regard to the direction of its distribution

151
Q

Footcandle (fc)

A

A U.S. unit of measurement referring to incident light.

Footcandles can be derived from lumens (1 fc = 1 lumen/sq ft) or candelas (fc = candelas/distance^2)

152
Q

Lux (lx)

A

The International Standard (SI) measure of incident light.

It is equal to one lumen uniformly distributed over an area of one square meter (10.7 lx = 1 fc)

153
Q

Candlepower

A

The unit of intensity of a light source in a specific direction, often referred to as Candela. One candela directed perpendicularly to a surface one foot away generates one footcandle of light.

154
Q

Illuminance

A

Incident light, or light striking a surface

155
Q

Luminance

A

Light leaving a surface, whether due to the surface’s reflectance, or because it is the surface of a light-emitting object (like a light bulb). Luminance is the measurable form of brightness, which is a subjective sensation.

156
Q

Efficacy

A

A measure of how efficiently a lamp converts electric power (watts) into light energy (lumens) without regard to the effectiveness of its illumination.
It should not be assumed that a lamp which has high efficacy will give better illumination than a less efficient lamp

157
Q

Light depreciation

A

Lamp output (lumens) will depreciate over its effective life. Illumination will be reduced further due to an accumulation of dirt and grime on the lamp and fixture. Adjustments should be made to compensate for this depreciation when determining the average values of illumination maintained over time. A maintenance factor of 50 to 70 percent is common for outdoor applications. New installations are routinely designed to deliver 1- 1/2 to 2 times as much illumination as needed, to sustain this maintained output over the anticipated life of the lamp

158
Q

Color

A

Two measures used to describe the color characteristics of lamps are (1) the apparent color and (2) the color rendering index

159
Q

Container Trees

A

Young trees in plastic or metal cans. Containers typically come in sizes of 1, 3, 5, and 7 gallons.

Advantages

  • Younger trees establish themselves faster and have more flexibility to adapt to the conditions of their new homes
  • Container trees can be healthier in the long run than older stock

Disadvantages

  • Do not provide “mature” appearance for many years
  • May develop circling roots if left in container too long
160
Q

Balled and Burlapped Trees

A

The most common medium sized specimens. Field-grown and dug for the planting season, with a ball of field soil retained around the roots. The ball is then wrapped with burlap, or less frequently with plastic cloth or wire cages.

Advantages

  • No circling roots
  • Can be more hardy than other forms and wrapping the root ball
  • More care must be taken at planting time to ensure that the wrapping materials are adequately removed to avoid future root and trunk girdling

Disadvantages
- Some roots may have been damaged or severed in the process of digging

161
Q

Boxed Trees

A

Commonly older, larger trees that have been moved to large wooden containers.

Advantages
- Provides instant effect

Disadvantages

  • More expensive to purchase and install
  • Harder to handle in the field
  • Can be slower to recover from transplant
162
Q

Bare-Root Plants

A

Sold in a dormant stage. Tops and roots are pruned back, and most of the soil is washed away from the roots.

Advantages

  • Cheaper than container plants
  • Often establish themselves faster than container plants and can be healthier in the long-run

Disadvantages

  • Must be bought and planted in the proper season
  • Characteristics like flower and leaf color are not visible at time of purchase
163
Q

Container Plants

A

Sold with upper branches and root systems intact and are available year-round

Advantages

  • Flower and leaf color are easy to verify
  • A wider variety of plant material is available in container form
  • Can be planted year-round

Disadvantages

  • Can be root-bound, leading to poor root development later
  • More expensive than bare-root
164
Q

Smaller Perennials

A

Can be found in four-inch pots, either plastic or peat. Plastic pots are handled as container plants and share the same advantages and disadvantages. Peat pots are not as common but have some advantages over plastic pots.

Advantages
- Peat pots can be set directly in the soil and left in place, where they will biodegrade, minimizing root disturbance

Disadvantages
- Peat pots can slow the initial root growth as roots attempt to push through peat walls

165
Q

Groundcover Containers

A

Used for large prostrate shrubs that function as groundcovers

Advantages

  • Better for large areas of groundcover
  • Sturdier at outset

Disadvantages

  • Planting grid must be worked out carefully to avoid bare patches
  • Take longer to fill in than more closely planted flats
166
Q

Groundcover Flats

A

Trays of small, quick-spreading plants that have been started from cuttings or seed. Plants are grown to form a mat of stem and root growth that must be cut into plugs or separated by hand for planting.

Advantages
- Economical, can be planted quickly and easily

Disadvantages
- Smaller root balls are more susceptible to drying out during and immediately after planting

167
Q

Groundcover Seeds

A

Are not commonly used in commercial landscaping, although they are popular for home gardeners. Exceptions to this include hydroseeding, regenerative planting techniques, and popular mixtures of wildflower seed that can be scattered to form a “natural” looking meadow within a season

Advantages

  • Seed is the cheapest way to plant
  • Plants grown from local seed are well-adapted to the site, a necessity for restoration
  • It is easier to achieve a random pattern
  • If “wildflower mixtures” or “native mixtures” are to be used, the composition of the mix must be checked carefully

Disadvantages

  • Patterning of plants is harder to control
  • Long growing period before plants begin to bloom, usually much later than greenhouse grown annuals
168
Q

Groundcover Hydroseeding

A

Used for vegetative stabilization of slopes that are difficult to access by other means. A chosen seed mixture is sprayed directly onto the slope in a solution of fertilizer and water.

Advantages

  • Large areas can be planted quickly and cheaply
  • Areas can be planted which are otherwise difficult or impossible
  • Choice of seed may be limited

Disadvantages
- Initial appearance is unattractive (the solution is dyed to aid in the application process)

169
Q

Annuals Multi-Pack

A

Annuals are sold with each plant in a separate plug of soil

Advantages:

  • Economical
  • Wide range of plants available in this form

Disadvantages
- Take longer to fill in than larger plants

170
Q

Annuals Container

A

Annuals are larger

Advantages
- Mature and fill in faster

Disadvantages
- More expensive than multi-pack

171
Q

Annual Seeds

A

Are not commonly used in commercial or residential applications.

172
Q

Turf Sod

A

Is grown in a field. Upon ordering, the sod is peeled up, rolled or stacked, and delivered to the site. Sod is the most common way to install lawn turf.

Advantages

  • Instant effect
  • Good, even coverage
  • Has to be installed very soon after delivery

Disadvantages
- Not appropriate for steep slopes or very large areas

173
Q

Turf Seed

A

Sown directly into a prepared plot

Advantages

  • Economical
  • Wide variety available via mail order

Disadvantages

  • Slower to grow to finished appearance
  • Can require touch-up seeding if initial application was uneven
174
Q

Turf Sprigged Lawns

A

Started from plugs of grass planted at set intervals.

Advantages

  • Economical
  • Faster to establish than seed

Disadvantages

  • Take several weeks to fill in
  • Requires care to keep weeds from growing between plugs of grass