Grading and Drainage Surface Water-Section E LARE

Grading and Drainage Surface Water Overview

Review The Basics and Prepare for the LARE Exam

Drainage is one of the most critical activities that landscape archtitects regularly perform that impacts the health, safety, and welfare of the public. The LARE has many challenging questions and vignettes that test your ability to grade a site without adversly impacting the natural environment while protecting your client’s interests. Brush up on the basics of grading while you prepare to take the LARE. 

What is Surface Drainage?

Surface drainage techniques involve manipulating the ground plane in order to move water from one location to another place without the use of drain pipes or other constructed drainage systems.

You create efficient drainage by grading the landscape so storm water or irrigation water accumulates and flows from a higher elevation to a lower elevation and away from structure and other protected areas. 

Regardless of soil drainage characteristics, slope is the most significant element to consider. For effective drainage, paved areas should have a minimum of a 1 percent slope. Turf or landscaped areas ideally have a minimum slope of 2 percent. Exceeding the 2 percent standard by too much can cause erosion problems. Inclines of more than 4 or 5 percent could seem very steep in a lot panorama situations.

Determine the Slope

The formula for calculating slope is rise/run = % slope

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For example, every foot of elevation decrease over a 100-foot length equals a 1 percent change in grade. For example, it will take 2 feet of elevation change over each 100-foot length of a swale to create a 2 percent slope. If the span is 10 feet, you'll necessity a slide of 0.2 feet (about 2.5 inches) to create a 2-percent slope.

You will use this calculation frequently during the LARE exam. CLARB rules allow you to bring a non-programable calculator to use during the exam. (Unfortunately, you can’t use your iPhone or other cool gadget.)

Practical Considerations

Different areas and different functions have different grading requirements and restrictions. 

Paved Areas

Paved areas with permeable or impermeable surfaces, like driveways or parking lots, are easy to drain by simply grading them so they slope way from buildings and other protected areas and flow towards a lawn, storm sewer, catch basin, or street gutter. Ensure that any water that leaves your client’s site does so in a way that does not negatively impact surrounding areas down-stream and complies with all applicable laws and regulations.

Turf and Landscape Areas

In open turf areas, you can create a swale by making a downward-sloping channel in the landscape where water is conveyed to areas where it can be retained, detained, infiltrated, or moved to other drainage systems. 

Control erosion is important after site grading. Immediately after you create a swale in the landscape, there needs to be some sort of temporary erosion control to keep sediment from flowing off-site. In many areas, siltation in streams due to construction activity has significantly impacted riparian environments. 

Prepare for the LARE Exam

Prepare for the LARE. Many candidates find the LARE to be extremely challenging. Increase you odds of success by studying. Read all the landscape architecture technical books recommended by CLARB, take a practice exam, join a Google LARE group, or attend a LARE workshop. Candidates who come prepared do much better than those who think the don't need to study.

LARE Section E Passing Rates

What are my chances of passing Section E of the LARE on the first try?

Section E of the LARE has historically been the most difficult part of the LARE exam for candidates to pass on the first try.  On average only 37 percent (37%) of candidates pass the exam every time it is offered.  

LARE Section E Passing Rate Chart.  While the average passing rate of Section E is about 37 percent, passing percentages have varied widely.  Note that no test had over half the candidates pass.  This means you have to study and know your stuff to pass.

Here is the detailed data for LARE Section E passing rates from June 2004 to June 2011:

2011 - June	36%
2010 - December	50%
2010 - June	37%
2009 - December	32%
2009 - June	48%
2008 - December	29%
2008 - June	37%
2007 - December	31%
2007 - June	29%
2006 - December	48%
2006 - June	38%
2005 - December	27%
2005 - June	40%
2004 - December	39%
2004 - June	41%
Average Passing Rate:	37.47%
Mode:	37%

Note: All data on passing rates was obtained from the CLARB website.

Now What Do I Do To Prepare for Section E of the LARE?

Don't get disheartened, now.  With proper preparation and studying, you can learn what it takes to pass Section E of the LARE.  CLARB recommends using the these books to study for Section E.

• Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards
• Site Engineering for Landscape Architects
• Time-Saver Standards for Landscape Architecture
• Grading for Landscape Architects and Architects

Check out the Section E study guide article for additional Section E test preparation materials and ideas.

Prepare well and good luck on preparing for and passing Section E.

Prepare to Pass Section E of the LARE Exam

What is Section E of the LARE?
Section E of the LARE is one of two graphic vignette section on the exam.  You will have to answer several 11"X17" graphic vignettes that address issues of placing landscape elements, minimizing grading impacts, addressing on-site and off-site stormwater issues, and thinking of landforms in three dimensions.

What is the Passing Rate for Section E?
Section E is the most difficult part of the LARE to pass.  On average since 2004, only 37 percent (37%) of candidates pass Section E each time.  This means it is extremely important to prepare as best you can to pass the exam the first time.  Use the study guide resources to help you prepare.

When is Section E of the LARE offered?
Section E of the LARE is offered twice a year; in June and December.  Find out if you qualify to take the LARE and how to register for the L.A.R.E exam.

What Topics Are Covered in Section E Graphic Vignettes?

Prepare to select locations for various landscape features and grade a site.  If you work in a state where landscape architects are not responsible for much grading, you really need to prepare for Section E if you want to pass the first time.

Section E tests your ability to visualize the landscape in 3D and manipulate landform.  You must consider the grading impact when locating program elements on the site.  Some vignettes will have you develop a concept grading plan by setting pad elevations, spot elevations, and adjusting contour lines to make the site functional.  Know what slopes are acceptable for pedestrian and vehicle circulation.

You will be tested on your ability to manipulate landform in order to effectively and safely manage stormwater and and convey runoff. Consider the design guidelines in the CLARB sample zoning guide which is part of the test.  Even if the design guidelines provided by CLARB differ from what you do in your office, the CLARB guidelines are the rules you use for the test.

In order to pass, you must demonstrate that you can locate a site feature in a way that minimizes economic and negative environmental impacts and manages on-site and off-site stormwater in a safe way.

Check out the article on study resources for Section E that will help you prepare to pass Section E.

Related Articles:

• Surface Grading & Drainage

LARE Section E Suggested Reading Materials and Study Guides

What Is Section E of the L.A.R.E Exam?

Section E is a graphic exam that has several 11"x17" graphic vignettes that will test your ability to conduct site grading, drainage and stormwater management.  You will have to locate site elements and place them in a way that reduces that amount of grading and impact on the site.  Additional skills tested include your ability to manage off-site and on-site stormwater. Water conservation and natural resource conservation are also topics covered on Section E.

The most important skill you must demonstrate to pass Section E is the ability to think in 3 dimensions and manipulate the landform to meet your design objectives.

What Study Materials Can I Use to Prepare Section E of the LARE?

The books listed below are recommended by CLARB to help candidates prepare for Section E.

Grading for Landscape Architects and Architects by Peter Petschek

Unfortunately for your profession, there are not a lot of good books on grading the landscape.  This book works at filling the gap on professional landscape architecture grading literature. Topics discussed in Grading for Landscape Architects and Architects include the history of grading, basic landscape grading principles, terrain forms, slope reinforcement techniques, and construction implementation of grading concepts. The best thing about this book is that it includes self-study exercises that give you the opportunity to put your knowledge to the test.  Practicing on the examples may really help improve your grading skills and confidence when you take Section E.

Site Engineering for Landscape Architects, 5th Edition by Strom, Nathan and Woland

Site Engineering for Landscape Architects is another fine textbook that teaches grading, drainage, and landform manipulation.  Read the article on Section B of the LARE study materials for a full review of Site Engineering for Landscape Architects. There is also a Site Engineering for Landscape Architects Workbook available that has exercises to help you practice your site engineering tools available from Amazon.com.

Time-Saver Standards for Landscape Architecture, 2nd Edition by Harris & Dines

I highly recommend this classic book for your professional library. This is a standard professional resource used by landscape architects throughout the United States and Canada. Use the sections on grading, stormwater management, and natural resources conservation to prepare for Section E of the LARE.  If you don't have a copy of your own, consider purchasing one to study for the LARE. You will use it for the rest of your professional career. See the full review of Time-Saver Standards for Landscape Architects in the article on preparing for Section B.

Other Study Resources for Section E:

LARE Review Section E Vignettes: Grading, Drainage, and Stormwater Management, 2nd ed. 

I stumbled across this book on Amazon.com the other day.  Although I have not purchased the book, a couple of landscape architects wrote reviews saying that this book helped them prepare for Section E and pass the exam.  If you have attempted Section E before and need to retake it, this book could help you pass the test next time.

Landscape Grading: A Study Guide for the LARE Grading Examination

Highly recommended....this book shows you how to solve grading problems like the grading vignettes found on Section E.  The author shows you how to solve common grading problems with step-by-step instructions.  Many landscape architect candidates find this book very helpful for improving their grading performance on Section E of the LARE.  What makes this book unique is that it was written from the perspective of somebody who is retaking the test.  There are 28 chapter exercises with solutions and nine practice grading vignettes. Landscape Grading: A Study Guide for the LARE Grading Examination is a good value for the money. If you are getting ready to re-take Section E, this book may help you prepare for and pass this section.  Check out the reviews on Amazon...this seems to be really well-liked by people who are trying to pass Section E.

Related Articles:

• How to Prepare for Section A of the LARE
• What Topics Are Covered in Section A?
• Study Guides and Reference Materials for Section B

What is the LARE Exam and How do I Qualify to Take the Tests?

The L.A.R.E is the Landscape Architect Registration Exam and it is the test used by most states in the United States and Canada to certify landscape architects.

The LARE has five sections that are common to all candidates.  Most states in the United States add an additional state-specific section, also.  Three sections (Sections A, B, and D) are multiple-choice, computer-based tests that are administered by CLARB.  Two sections (Sections C and E) are graphic sections where candidates solve problems related to grading and stormwater drainage on 11x17" answer sheets. Sections C and E are either administered by CLARB or by the individual state (depending on the state or province). Candidates must complete eligibility requirements and initiate a CLARB record before taking the test.

Am I Eligible to Take the Sections A, B, and D of the LARE Exam?

CLARB (Council of Landscape Architecture Registration Boards) requires LARE exam candidates to meet some basic professional pre-requisites before you can register for and take LARE Sections A, B, and D.  CLARB lists six ways that you can qualify to take the LARE:

1. Have an accredited Bachelors or Masters degree in landscape architecture from a LAAB or LAAC accredited university program. This is the most common way candidates qualify for the LARE.
2. Hold a accredited degree in architecture (Bachelors or Masters) and have 1 year of diversified experience under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect. Your architecture degree must be accredited by NAAB to qualify.
3. Have an accredited engineering degree (either a Bachelors or Masters degree) and have one year of diversified landscape architecture experience under the direct supervision of a landscape architect.  Your engineering degree must be accredited by ABET to qualify.
4. If you hold an unaccredited undergraduate or graduate landscape architecture degree and have one year of landscape architecture work experience under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect, you can qualify to take the LARE exam.
5. If you have three years of work experience in landscape architecture under the supervision of a licensed landscape architecture and have an undergraduate degree in any field, you can qualify to take the LARE test.
6. Or, if you have applied and been approved by a CLARB member board, you can qualify for the LARE exam.

The requirements listed above are the basic requirements set forth by CLARB to register for the LARE exam.  Some states have additional pre-requisite requirements that must be met before you can apply for the test. Check with the individual state boards if you plan on applying for landscape architecture licensure in the following states: Arkansas, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, or Wisconsin. These states require pre-approval from their state boards before CLARB will let you register for the LARE exam.

How Do Qualify To Take the Graphic Sections C and E of the LARE Exam?

If you are seeking a landscape architect's license in the following states where CLARB administers the graphic sections, the qualification criteria listed above apply to you: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Washington.

If you are seeking registration in the following states, you need to be pre-approved by the individual state board (even though CLARB administers the graphic sections in these states) before you register for the test: California, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas.

If you are working on registration on any state or province not listed above, check with your individual state's registration board.

Related Posts:

• LARE Registration Checklist
• How Do I Register for the LARE?
• State Registration Board Requirements?
• LARE Section A Recommended Reading List