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Slope Formula:
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Slope is a fundamental concept in civil engineering that represents the steepness or incline of a surface. It is defined as the ratio of vertical change (rise) to horizontal change (run) between two points on a line.
The calculator uses the slope formula:
Where:
Explanation: The slope represents how much vertical elevation changes per unit of horizontal distance. A slope of 1 means a 45-degree angle where rise equals run.
Details: Accurate slope calculation is crucial for road design, drainage systems, foundation work, ramp construction, and ensuring proper water runoff. It helps engineers design safe and functional infrastructure that accounts for elevation changes.
Tips: Enter the vertical change (rise) and horizontal distance (run) in consistent units (both in meters, feet, etc.). Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.
Q1: What units should I use for rise and run?
A: Use consistent units (both meters, both feet, etc.). The calculator will provide a unitless ratio result.
Q2: How do I convert slope to degrees or percentage?
A: To convert to degrees: angle = arctan(slope). To convert to percentage: slope% = slope × 100%.
Q3: What is considered a steep slope in civil engineering?
A: Typically, slopes greater than 1:2 (50%) are considered steep and may require special engineering considerations for stability and safety.
Q4: Why is slope important in drainage design?
A: Proper slope ensures adequate water flow and prevents standing water. Most drainage systems require minimum slopes (e.g., 1-2% for pipes) to function properly.
Q5: Can slope be negative?
A: In mathematical terms, yes - negative slope indicates downward inclination. However, in this calculator we use positive values for both rise and run, with the direction implied by context.