Which statement correctly describes the cut and fill relationship?

Which statement correctly describes the cut and fill relationship?

• A. Cut and fill both remove earth.
• B. Cut means removing earth to reach design elevation; fill means adding earth to reach it.
• C. Cut means adding earth; fill means removing earth.
• D. Cut and fill both build up terrain with earth.

Answer: (C)

Cut and fill describe how ground is shaped to meet design elevations. When the existing ground is higher than the plan elevation in a section, earth is removed to bring it down to the required level—this is a cut. When the ground is lower than the plan elevation, earth is added to raise it to the required level—this is a fill. These two actions work together to achieve the desired grade along roads, embankments, or sites. The aim is often to balance volumes so less material has to be moved, and any cut material can sometimes be used for fill, reducing hauling and waste.

Cut and fill describe how ground is shaped to meet design elevations. When the existing ground is higher than the plan elevation in a section, earth is removed to bring it down to the required level—this is a cut. When the ground is lower than the plan elevation, earth is added to raise it to the required level—this is a fill. These two actions work together to achieve the desired grade along roads, embankments, or sites. The aim is often to balance volumes so less material has to be moved, and any cut material can sometimes be used for fill, reducing hauling and waste.